DATE: Feb. 28, 2002
CONTACT: Paul Krome, pkrome@lacrosse.org

US LACROSSE ADDS J.P. MORGAN CHASE AS 2002 U.S. MEN'S TEAM FLAGSHIP SPONSOR

BALTIMORE — US Lacrosse and J.P. Morgan Chase have entered into an agreement that secures the New York-based global financial services firm as a Flagship Sponsor of the 2002 U.S. Men's Team, as announced by Sally Ratcliffe, US Lacrosse director of development. J.P. Morgan Chase will help US Lacrosse defray costs of fielding the U.S. Men's Team in the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) World Championship, July 6-14, in Perth, Australia.

"We're excited and thankful to have J.P. Morgan Chase on board as a Flagship Sponsor," said Ratcliffe. "We're proud to showcase their support through our national clinics and team exhibitions, and this summer in Australia."

J.P. Morgan Chase has assets of $694 billion and operations in 50 countries. The firm will receive several benefits for its sponsorship, including logo placement on team uniforms and promotional materials, advertisements in Lacrosse Magazine and U.S. Men's Team exhibition game programs, and the opportunity to display its branded merchandise at exhibition games and clinics.

"J.P. Morgan Chase is a global company and the sport of lacrosse presents a good opportunity to showcase our brand across the globe while supporting a very successful U.S. men's team," said Lawrence Forte, a managing director at J.P. Morgan Chase.

US Lacrosse must raise approximately $200,000 to cover the costs of fielding the 2002 U.S. Men's Team. Costs include a pre-trip training camp, exhibition games throughout the U.S., and transportation, housing, meals, and equipment for the trip to Australia. Contributions to the 2002 U.S. Men's Team are tax-deductible.

"We're grateful to have a well-known financial services firm partner with us," said Jody Martin, US Lacrosse men's division director. "J.P. Morgan Chase's sponsorship adds prestige to US Lacrosse and to the men's national teams program."

The ILF World Championship began in 1967 and has been held every four years since 1974. The U.S. Men's Team has won the last five championships, and seven of the eight tournaments held. The team roster was selected in June 2001. Army's Jack Emmer will serve as head coach. For more information on the 2002 U.S. Men's Team and to donate online, visit the US Lacrosse web site at www.lacrosse.org.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, is the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse.

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