White Sox and the University of Chicago Medicine create partnership to reach youth and families
CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox today announced the team has created a special partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine that will help reach youth and families through the team's new “Family Sundays,” and the White Sox Kids Club. The University of Chicago Medicine now becomes the presenting sponsor of the Sunday home game promotion and the Kids Club. The White Sox and the University of Chicago Medicine kicked off the new partnership at Woodlawn Community School, with Sox catcher Tyler Flowers, director of conditioning Allen Thomas and team mascot Southpaw.
“We are absolutely thrilled with this opportunity – what is a tremendous partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine,” said White Sox senior vice president of sales and marketing Brooks Boyer. “I cannot imagine a more perfect fit as a partner with the White Sox. We are honored to stand alongside the University of Chicago Medicine in their mission to help kids across Chicagoland. Together we hope to make a lasting, positive impact in our community.”
For the University of Chicago Medicine, the new partnership is the latest initiative aimed at addressing the obesity epidemic in its neighboring South Side communities and creating models for successful programs nationwide. The sponsorship will build on Power-Up, an after-school program offering weekly nutrition and physical activity sessions for grade school children.
"This partnership is a unique opportunity to extend our efforts to encourage healthier behaviors with an approach sure to appeal to kids and their families,” said, Deborah Burnet, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics and section chief of general internal medicine. “We know athletes often have the power to reach children in a way parents and teachers may not, so we were excited to learn about the White Sox’s commitment to promoting good nutrition and exercise among their youngest fans. Not surprisingly, our objectives in this area dovetail nicely. The White Sox Kids Club offers the ideal complement to our Power-Up program.”
Family Sundays, presented by the University of Chicago Medicine, will cover all 13 Sunday home games in 2013 and will feature specially-priced seats and new lower-priced parking. The White Sox ballpark experience for kids on Sundays in 2013 also will feature special autograph sessions with current and former White Sox players, as well as White Sox broadcasters, and the opportunity to run the bases after games (weather permitted). Tickets for all Sunday home games are now available on whitesox.com/Tickets.
Through the White Sox Kids Club, presented by the University of Chicago Medicine, kids 13 years old and younger are eligible for two membership levels – the All-Star membership ($37) and the free Slugger membership. Memberships include complimentary game tickets and membership kits. Members also receive information and programs encouraging young fans to stay active and eat healthy in an effort to combat childhood obesity. Memberships are available on whitesox.com/KidsClub.