August 7, 2003

FURMAN, C.O.R.E. INITIATIVE, AND THE SPINX COMPANY
RAISE FUNDS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM

GREENVILLE, S.C. (11:00 a.m.) ‹ C.O.R.E. Initiative, The Spinx Company, and Furman University are teaming up to raise funds for athletes in The School District of Greenville County¹s Middle School Sports program.

C.O.R.E. ‹ Combining Our Resources for Education ‹ headed by Greenville Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo and Stewart Spinx, has provided financial resources for Greenville County Middle School Sports for two years.

This year, Furman University will add another dimension to the partnership by donating $1 from every ticket sold to the Furman/Elon game on Saturday, August 30. The donation will be made through the C.O.R.E. Initiative.

"We know that a quality school program requires the three A's‹ academics, arts, and athletics. Participation in middle school sports allows students to develop leadership skills, the importance of working as a team, and a competitive spirit, all which carry over into the classroom," said District Superintendent Dr. William Harner. "Sports enhance the overall school spirit, providing opportunities for students to make a greater contribution to the school and to their education."

"I am deeply appreciative of Furman University, C.O.R.E., and Stewart Spinx for stepping forward to lead this important effort to fund middle school sports," he added.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to support middle school sports and enhance our partnership with the C.O.R.E. Initiative and Greenville County Schools. We recognize the value of sports participation in the overall educational process and are pleased to make this investment in the young people of Greenville County," said Gary Clark, Furman Director of Athletics.

The 2003-04 School District budget allocates $43,500 for the program pending no further budget cuts. The program requires about $150,000 per year for girls' and boys' softball, baseball, and basketball programs. In previous years, C.O.R.E. and the Greenville Braves have provided $26,000 for the program.

Pictured: Greenville County School Superintendent Dr. William Harner (far left), Berea Middle School coach James Wilson (second from left), Furman head coach Bobby Lamb (second from right), Greenville Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo (far right), and several Berea Middle School students were on hand at Thursday's press conference announcing Furman's fundraising plan in support of middle school sports.