Title
To honor and recognize our Columbus Crew on their 17th season in Columbus.
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WHEREAS, in 1996, Major League Soccer chose Columbus, Ohio, as home for the Columbus Crew, one of its original 10 teams; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Crew and Major League Soccer are poised to begin their 17th season of major-league soccer excitement, and 14th at historic Crew Stadium, the first major-league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Crew are three-time Supporters' Shield winners as regular-season champions, with an MLS Cup title to their credit; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Crew and Crew Stadium have generated more than $384 million in direct spending both within and outside of the iconic stadium, produced $6.5 million in tax revenue for the City of Columbus and supported 490 jobs in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Crew players and coaches continue to serve as national and international ambassadors for the city of Columbus by exhibiting a high level of skill, determination, confidence, and character; and
WHEREAS, through soccer clinics, field development and the Kicks for Kids program, the Columbus Crew have introduced the sport of soccer to area youngsters, and through the team's charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation, have served as a catalyst for community investment and development with an emphasis on helping our young people realize their full potential; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Crew return to the field for their First Kick at Crew Stadium on Saturday, March 24, at 4 p.m. and prior to the match at 2:45 p.m. the new Crew Soccer Foundation Field will be unveiled, providing a unique recreational outlet for at-risk youth in Columbus. The goal is to provide quality recreational outlets and soccer programming that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, respect, integrity, diversity, perseverance and living a healthy lifestyle; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we applaud the Columbus ...
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