Started by group of high school students, effort attracted 21,000 attendees last year and has raised more than $500,000 since its inception in 2012.
BALTIMORE, MD (January 19, 2015) – The Shootout for Soldiers, the 24-hour lacrosse game benefiting wounded American military members that has raised more than $500,000 since its inception, will expand to five locations this summer. In 2014, the event raised $252,000 and brought together over 21,000 people between the events in Baltimore and Long Island. This summer, the event will expand to Boston, Massachusetts on June 25 and 26, Columbus, Ohio on July 10 and 11 and Dana Point, California on July 31 and August 1 in addition to hosting events in Baltimore on June 17 and 18 and Long Island on July 15 and 16. The organization also unveiled a new logo to compliment a fully redesigned website.
Originally started by a group of high school students attending the Boys' Latin School of Maryland, the effort has grown each year, with more than 3,200 participants and 21,000 attendees in the 2014 charitable events. People interested in participating in the 2015 event can register for the event by visiting www.ShootoutForSoldiers.com. The games are open to both male and female participants with no age restrictions. Separate categories are also available for the opening Veterans game at each location and a wheelchair lacrosse game in select locations.
"This is an exciting new chapter for the Shootout for Soldiers as we expand the event nationwide. We had interest from over 125 different locations for this summer's events, but the teams in Boston, Ohio and California stood out for their dedication to the sport and our nation's veterans," explained Tyler Steinhardt, the Founder and Director of Shootout for Soldiers. "In addition to expanding to new locations, wee've also redesigned the event experience to make it an even more memorable and impactful experience for each participant and attendee."
The proceeds of the events will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund, Gary Sinise Foundation and Semper Fi Fund. The common mission of all four organizations is to provide financial, physical and emotional support and services to individuals that have dedicated their lives to the United States military.
"Our service members sacrifice so much for our country, and my team and I are honored to be able to give back in some way. We are extremely proud that, with an all-volunteer team, Shootout for Soldiers has spent less than one percent of the total fundraising dollars on expenses to organize and produce the games." Steinhardt explained. "We're ready to take this to the next level and further support our nation's veterans."
For additional information, check out the website at www.shootoutforsoldiers.com or follow them on Twitter at @SFSLacrosse