U.S. Women’s National Team makes soccer dreams come true for Sanger, Texas youth fighting cancer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2016
BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) did not let Olympic Games preparations prevent them from providing Kodi Tutt, a young fan living with cancer, with two of the most special days of her life.
As the 11th honoree of the Craig Willinger Fund (CWFund), 12-year-old Kodi and her family were invited to attend the U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic send-off friendly versus Costa Rica in Kansas City on July 22, 2016. The Tutts were welcomed as special guests of the U.S. Soccer Federation at a closed training session the night before the game. Kodi was introduced to the USWNT players and coaching staff and presented with a personalized jersey that the team autographed that evening.
Following Sporting Kansas City’s tradition of honoring children fighting life-threatening illnesses, Kodi was introduced to game attendees through a public address announcement and live video on the big screens at Children’s Mercy Park. Kodi shared an amazing moment with the Kansas City and national chapters of the American Outlaws, the unofficial supporters’ group for U.S. men’s and women’s soccer, as she led the supporters’ section in a cheer and an incredible spontaneous moment on drums. In addition to a VIP tour of the stadium—including the press box, locker rooms, and field—Kodi was reunited with the team after the game, whereupon each player presented her with a friendship bracelet they made themselves as a belated birthday celebration.
“We were as overwhelmed as Kodi over the generosity of the USWNT players, coaches, and staff,” said CWFund chairperson Emily Agueda. “Every member of the organization we approached with praise over this amazing experience for Kodi—from Fan Service Coordinator Alexandria Ross to the General Manager of the USWNT Timothy Ryder—had the same response: this is easy for us. It is incredibly moving to witness the accountability U.S. Soccer feels for its fans beyond the soccer pitch.”
The Craig Willinger Fund, formed in 2009, seeks to improve the lives of children and young adults stricken with cancer by providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience world-class soccer—both domestically and abroad. Since 2010, honorees have traveled to South Africa, Barcelona, Milan, London, Madrid, New York City, Manchester, and Brazil, including two World Cup tournaments and a UEFA Champions League Final. Visit www.cwfund.org for more information.
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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Emily Agueda
443.739.6875
emily@cwfund.org