GLASTONBURY, Conn. - The 23rd annual Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament (GLT) was held on Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29, 2007, to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, and the American Cancer Society. This year’s event, held at Glastonbury High School in Glastonbury, Conn., raised $4,000 to benefit those in Connecticut battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system.

The Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament is nationally recognized as one of the largest in the United States and, year after year, draws top talent from around the country as well as many local star athletes. The GLT is known as a player’s tournament, with teams often formed around cores of top local and national collegiate competitors. Some are backed by corporate sponsors, while just as often the teams are funded by members. Many of the top Division 1, 2 and 3 schools around the nation are represented in the tournament.

"The Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament has supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, for more than a decade," said Nicole Marohn, chapter associate vice president of development. "Since it was first established, has raised nearly $34,000 for the chapter and those it serves. Its success could not have been possible without Joe Cooper, tournament director, who, each year, has remained dedicated to the fight against MS."

This year’s event marked Cooper’s last year as tournament director after serving for 20 years. The tournament will be coordinated by the Glastonbury Lacrosse Club, which oversees all of the youth lacrosse activities in Glastonbury. Kevin McHugh has been named tournament director.

"They’ve (Glastonbury Lacrosse Club) helped make Glastonbury one of the top lacrosse towns in the state," said Cooper. "We're confident that it will continue to be a very competitive and fun tournament for the players, which is why we chose (them) to continue the event."

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle the effects of MS. Symptoms can include tingling and numbness in the extremities, fatigue, changes in vision, imbalance, pain, speech impairment, and, in some cases, paralysis. There is currently no cure for MS, however, funds raised through events, such as the Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those diagnosed with MS.

For more information about the multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can make a difference, contact the Connecticut Chapter at (800) FIGHT.MS. For more information on the Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament, visit www.glastonburylaxtourney.org.

PHOTO CUTLINE: (Left to right) Rob Peterson, Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club; Michelle Zimnoch, Special Events Director, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter; Joe Cooper, former director of the Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament and Kevin McHugh, new director of the Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament gather for a photo at Joe Cooper’s retirement ceremony.

10/25/07

NOTE TO MEDIA:
For More Information
Contact Melissa A. Saranitzky
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 239
E-mail: msaranitzky@ctfightsMS.org