Governor Lynch Joins New Hampshire Sports Community to Unveil New Charitable Initiative.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Gov. John Lynch joined representatives of New Hampshire's six professional sports organizations to announce that the teams, along with the two major racetracks, were teaming up on a new charitable initiative, Team NH, aimed at fostering friendships between Southern New Hampshire University student athletes and clients of the Manchester-based Moore Center, an agency which provides comprehensive services to clients with developmental disabilities.

"Our sports teams in New Hampshire are important to our economy and our communities. I want to thank them for continuing to demonstrate their commitment to our state with this new mentorship program," Governor Lynch said. "I am pleased the local sports community has worked together with state government, the education community and one of the state's dedicated social service agencies to help improve the quality of life of our citizens."

With a theme of "Changing Communities One Athlete at a Time," Team NH is a partnership involving the New Hampshire Business Resource Center, Moore Center, Southern New Hampshire University, the Manchester Monarchs, Manchester Wolves, Manchester Freedom, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, New Hampshire Phantoms, Nashua Pride, New England Dragway and the New Hampshire International Speedway.

Each participating team and the two race tracks will host a "Celebration of New Hampshire Sports" event during their respective seasons. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold to State of New Hampshire employees during those events will be used as seed money for the pilot project. Meanwhile, Southern New Hampshire University student athletes will be matched with Moore Center clients and attend local sporting events as they grow their relationships.

"The charitable aspect of this initiative was extremely attractive to us," said Manchester Monarchs President Jeff Eisenberg whose team spearheaded the effort and will host the first "Celebration of New Hampshire Sports" event on Saturday, February 24 vs. the Worcester Sharks. "The sports community in this state not only adds to the local economy, it also consistently seeks new and innovative ways to give back as well. Team NH is a great collaborative effort."

Southern New Hampshire University President Paul Leblanc said that his institution is well suited to be part of such an initiative. With a renowned 42-credit Sports Management Program, Southern New Hampshire University consistently prepares students for futures in the sports and entertainment industry.

"Our student athletes are very enthusiastic about joining Team NH," he said. "As you can well imagine, teamwork is a concept which is consistently emphasized to all of our athletes and they welcome the chance to develop new relationships and build strong bonds with their new friends from the Moore Center."

Moore Center President and CEO Paul Boynton echoed Leblanc's sentiments, saying, "This initiative is a great example of putting Moore Center's mission of creating opportunities for a good life into action. We're proud to be part of it."