Shep Messing To Be Honored At America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

NEW YORK, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- From championships with the New York Cosmos to the 1972 Olympic Games, Shep Messing's accomplishments have put him in the New York Sports Hall of Fame, the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. On April 8, 2013, Messing joins the distinguished list of America SCORES honorees at the 7^th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! Hosted at the New York Stock Exchange, the evening will showcase, through 27 children from 14 cities, the impact that soccer makes on the lives of 8,000 urban elementary and middle school students every single year.

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Thousands of America SCORES participants audition regionally for the chance to visit New York City to perform at the National Poetry SLAM! Of the 20,000 original literary works written by the participants each year, the evening will feature 27 selected poetry performances by elementary and middle school students from around the country.

"America SCORES changes the lives of children who need it most. As a result, their poet-athletes have shown the unlimited potential to be brave, to make a difference and have inspired me with their efforts," Messing said. He was happy to sign autographs for enthusiastic America SCORES participants on a recent visit to PS 192, including 10-year-old Maguette whose twin brother Elhadji is also in the program.

Past honorees include Robin Williams, Don Garber, Rick Davis, Sunil Gulati, Kathy Carter and most recently, Chris Heck.

About America SCORES

In a time during which urban schools often lack organized sport and high quality afterschool activities, America SCORES is the only program that provides free, year-round soccer playing opportunities nationwide while simultaneously improving the literacy and academic engagement of its participants. When they are not on the field, participants are writing poetry and sharing their inner-most emotions with their teams, as part of this year-long, five-day-per-week, afterschool program. The National Poetry SLAM! is the culmination of 120 hours of soccer practice and 90 hours of writing dedicated by each student during the school year.

A national nonprofit organization, America SCORES partners with public schools in low-income communities to provide a high quality, award-winning afterschool program to elementary and middle school youth. Integrating soccer, poetry and service-learning, our innovative approach improves at-risk students' health, academic achievement and civic engagement by focusing on teamwork, creativity, literacy, school engagement and leadership. Our mission is to inspire urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. Learn more at www.americascores.org.

SOURCE America SCORES