DC SCORES Expands After-School Programs in Ward 8

WASHINGTON, D.C.—With support from the American Beverage Association and the D.C.Beverage Association, DC SCORES today announced expansion of its after-school programming to more schools in Ward 8.

“Partners like the American Beverage Association and the D.C. Beverage Association help us expand in areas of the city that need physical fitness opportunities for youth,” said Amy Nakamoto, executive director of DC SCORES. “Providing opportunities for these children to play sports and engage in academic enrichment will help improve the overall health and wellness of their families and the community.”

DC SCORES uses the combination of soccer, poetry and service-learning to help students stay active and engaged in their education. DC SCORES currently works with 800 low-income youth at 27 schools. The partnership with the American Beverage Association and the D.C. Beverage Association will allow DC SCORES to expand these important programs in Ward 8.

“Being able to get more children in Ward 8 enrolled in these programs acutely captures the true goal of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and will have a lasting impact on this community,” said Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association. “We’re proud to be working with DC SCORES on this important program expansion.”

DC SCORES kicked off its first game of the season today with program participants, their families, D.C. Council members, members of the media and other supporters in attendance.

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To people who believe in a well-rounded childhood, DC SCORES is the quality, team-based approach providing youth with the arts, athletics, and academics that will engage, enrich, and improve their lives. DC SCORES builds teams through after school programs for more than 800 low-income D.C. youth at 27 schools by instilling self-expression, physical fitness, and a sense of community. DC SCORES accomplishes this with an innovative model combining poetry and spoken word, soccer, and service-learning year-round. We have worked with over 6,000 students since our founding in 1994 and we aim to serve EVERY child in the District deserving of a team who does not have one. To learn more, visit www.DCSCORES.org.

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. For more information on ABA, please visit the association’s Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA media relations team at (202) 463-6770.

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