(Istanbul, Turkey) – Actually, Christmas is celebrated in Turkey, which has a substantial Christian population. However, this year Turkey is about to get a little more “Christmas” cheer. Turkey Lacrosse is pleased to announce the addition of professional Major League Lacrosse (MLL) player, John “Johnny” Christmas to its Board of Advisers.
John played lacrosse at the University of Virginia (UVA), where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He currently plays professionally for both the indoor National Lacrosse League (NLL) Philadelphia Wings and the outdoor MLL Boston Cannons. Off the field, Johnny has founded lacrosse related entrepreneurial endeavors, including 141 Lacrosse LLC (a lacrosse training company), Encore Brand Clothing Co., Vitality Lacrosse, and accesslacrosse.com. John is anxious to help Turkey realize not only the enjoyment of lacrosse, but also help alter the often negative and often ignorant perceptions of Turkey that many people in the United States have.
“I believe in the power of sports – especially lacrosse, to create bonds between people of different backgrounds,” says Christmas. “I have met a few Turks in my life, and they have been some of the warmest and kindest people that I have had the fortune to interact with. I hope that the lacrosse world will embrace Turkey, and that they will realize that it is just as safe to travel to Turkey as it is to travel to other European countries.”
"Turkey Lacrosse is honored to have such a lacrosse acumen as Johnny as part of our organization,” says Patrick Dougherty, Founder and Executive Director of Turkey Lacrosse. “We are lucky to have an individual of his caliber willing to help our program reach the next level and are thankful for his support."
Christmas is just one of the many recent additions to Turkey Lacrosse. Recently, Turkey Lacrosse welcomed Kyle Sweeney, Chief Operations Officer of Maverick Lacrosse and MLL professional, to their Board of Advisers. Turkey Lacrosse will hold tryouts for the Turkish National team in June, which will be followed by a friendly with the Israeli team in July. In September, Turkey Lacrosse will host the Turkey Lacrosse Open 2013 in Alanya, which will feature 16 men’s and 10 women’s teams.
For more information, please visit www.turkeylacrosse.com, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook/TurkiyeLakros, or follow us on Twitter @TurkeyLacrosse. You can also reach Executive Director of Turkey Lacrosse, Patrick Dougherty, by email at admin@turkeylacrosse.com.