RAPIDS TO SUPPORT 300 UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN DURING 3RD ANNUAL "KICKS FOR KIDS" HOLIDAY PARTY AT OCEAN JOURNEY AQUARIUM ON TUESDAY, DEC. 17.

DENVER (Dec. 16, 2002) - The Colorado Rapids will host the 3rd annual Rapids "Kicks for Kids" Holiday party at Ocean Journey, the Rocky Mountain Region's only aquarium, from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The Colorado Rapids "Kicks for Kids" program is designed to provide underprivileged kids with the opportunity to attend Rapids games and holiday parties throughout the year for free courtesy of corporate donations. This 3rd Annual Holiday Party sponsored by the Rapids will feature the Rapids players, coaches and staff, along with approximately 300 underprivileged kids from special-needs schools and organizations around the Denver area who participated in the 2002 Kicks for Kids program.

Each of the 300 kids will enjoy a fun-filled holiday event, including free admittance to Ocean Journey and all of its exhibits, a hot meal and beverages, free gifts, a visit from Santa Claus, and a special autograph session with the Colorado Rapids players, coaches and Rapidman.

* WHAT: Colorado Rapids 3rd Annual Kicks for Kids Holiday
Party at Ocean Journey

* WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 

* WHERE: Ocean Journey aquarium, located at I-25 and 23rd
Avenue (exit #211).

* WHO: Free to invited kids and chaperones who present their
invitations at the door

* VISUALS: Kids aged 5-15 enjoying Ocean Journey's hands-on
exhibits, like the new stingray touch pool, a state-of-the-art submarine
simulator, a new tidepool touch exhibit, and a recently constructed
playground; getting autographs from their Major League Soccer heroes;
visiting with Santa Claus; and receiving holiday gifts to add cheer to what
otherwise may be a tough holiday for these underprivileged kids.

As the Rocky Mountain Region's only aquarium, Ocean Journey has provided free admission and donations to more than 83,000 people during the last three years through its community outreach programs. This million-gallon adventure allows visitors to come within inches of thousands of fish, birds, invertebrates and mammals that rely upon water. More than 500 species are featured in re-creations of river-to-ocean journeys, special touch pools and family activities. Ocean Journey, presented by Qwest, is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire guests to discover, explore, enjoy and protect our aquatic world.

The Rapids would like to thank Days Inn Denver West and Popeyes' Chicken for sponsoring this year's Holiday Party. This year's party will also be made possible through the generous support of the following Kicks for Kids Corporate Partners: A LA CARTE GIFTS & BASKETS, ALPINE MEADOWS, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE, AT&T BROADBAND, AVICI SYSTEMS, B.E. IMPLEMENT, BANK OF AMERICA, BENNETT'S BAR-B-QUE, BORER FINANCIAL, BUTLER RENTS, CAPTURA INC., CHAMELEON TECHNOLOGIES, CITY OF ARVADA, CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CLASSIC SPORTS, CO. CHILDREN'S IMMUNIZATION COALITION, COPIC COMPANIES, COCA-COLA, CROC'S MEXICAN GRILL, CREDIT SUISSE/FIRST BOSTON, DAIRY QUEEN, DENVER HISPANIC CHAMBER, DEUXO, EBONTRADE, EDDIE'S KIDS, E.W.I., FALCON'S SATELLITE, FASTSIGNS, FIRST BANK, GALYAN'S, GREAT WEST LIFE &ANNUITY, ILLEGAL PETE'S, INFLOW, INTEGRATED PRINTING SERVICES, JOSH&JOHN'S ICE CREAM, KAYNE ANDERSEN INVESTMENT, KEY BANK, KOEBEL&CO., K.P.M.G, KROENKE SPORTS, LAZARD FRERES&CO., LORD ABBETT&CO., MACKAY SHIELDS LLC, MILLER GLOBAL PROPERTIES, MONARCH PROMOTIONS, NESTLE, NORAM WELLSITE SERVICES, REGAL CINEMAS, ROCKY MTN. AUTO GLASS, ROTHBERG TAMBURINI & WINSOR INC, ROTHGERBER JOHNSON & LYONS, STARWEST, SUN MICROSYSTEMS, THE ANSCHUTZ FOUNDATION, THE TIN LIZZIE, THREE TOMATOES CATERING, TRUST COMPANY OF THE WEST, UNION BANK&TRUST, UNION PACIFIC, UNITED REPROGRAPHICS, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HOSPITAL, WEST STAR AVIATION, XP APPAREL

Photos from the event will be posted online at www.coloradorapids.com. For more information on the "Kicks for Kids" program or the Holiday Party, please contact Kieran Cain, Director of Community Relations, at 303.299.1598.

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