FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BERLIN Conn. Connecticut rugby football clubs, the Hartford Wanderers and the New Haven Old Black, will hold an exhibition match, Battle In Berlin, at Scalise Field in Sage Park in Berlin, Conn., on Thursday, Aug. 23 all to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

"The Hartford Wanderers and the New Haven Old Black have always been community-focused, and we’re thrilled the two clubs have chosen to team up with two worthy causes," said Nicole Marohn, associate vice president with the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter. "When someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis, lives are forever changed. Most of us are able to get out and do what we love for the rugby clubs that means playing ball. Both teams want to demonstrate support for those for whom movement isn’t a given. They know, for them, the battle to stay in the game of life is day-after-day for a lifetime. For those with MS and cystic fibrosis, there just are no timeouts."

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Funds raised through events, such as the Battle In Berlin, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for vital programs and services offered by the Greater Connecticut Chapter to residents statewide diagnosed with MS.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that can lead to life-threatening lung infections and digestive problems. The foundation partners with more than 80 chapters and branches nationwide.

The Thursday, Aug. 23, benefit match will kick-off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and children under 10 are free. All proceeds will benefit the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Nicole Marohn, Greater Connecticut Chapter associate vice president of development, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 244, or by going to www.ctfightsMS.org. Tickets can also be obtained by contacting Christopher J. Picard at (860) 670-0625 or by visiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/chapters/connecticut.

The Hartford Wanderers Rugby Football Club, Inc., was founded in 1966. The New Haven Old Black Rugby Football Club was established in 1986. Both teams have earned coveted league titles, and several players from both teams have been named to the U.S. National Team The Eagles.

For more information on Connecticut rugby football and tryout opportunities, please contact Christopher J. Picard at (860) 670-0625.

7/25/07

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
tel +1.860.714.2300
cell +1.860.997.4487
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ctfightsMS.org

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Talk to your health care professional and contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1.800.FIGHT-MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.