RAPIDS & COLORADO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TO VISIT SCHOOLS BY HELICOPTER

Chopper trips support Red Ribbon program, raise anti-drug awareness

DENVER (Friday, October 19, 2001) - Beginning on Monday, October 22, the Colorado Rapids and the Colorado Army National Guard will commence a series of visits to area elementary, middle and high schools via helicopter - landing in school yards across the Front Range to promote the Red Ribbon anti-drug program among students.

The Red Ribbon campaign, a part of the Colorado National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Office, is designed not only to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol, but to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse as well.

Over the past several years, the Colorado Rapids have forged a strong partnership with the men and women of the Colorado Army National Guard. Given the National Guard's role in serving and protecting our American communities, the Rapids are proud to do their part by supporting the Colorado military in helping to endorse its Red Ribbon program across the state.

The helicopter visits will begin on October 22 and run through November 2. Approximately 3-6 schools will be visited each day by Rapids players who will present an autographed ball to each school as well as sign autographs and pass out American flag bumper stickers to students. A total of 23 schools will be visited during the 10-day program. The player schedule is as follows:

	October 22 - Scott Garlick		October 23 - Ritchie Kotschau
	October 25 - Steve Shak			October 26 - Wes Hart
	November 1 - Chris Martinez		November 2 - Steve Herdsman

Pictures of the school visits can be seen on the Rapids website following the finale of the program on November 2. For more information on the specifics of the program, please contact Kieran Cain, Director of Community Relations at 303.299.1598.

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