Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2000

Release #293-00

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958




MAYOR GIULIANI ACCEPTS THE MARTY LYONS FOUNDATION CELEBRITY
GOLF CLASSIC 'CLOSEST TO THE PIN' TROPHY

Following 158-Yard Drive Mayor Secures First Golf Trophy of His Amateur Career

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today accepted The Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic 'Closest To The Pin' trophy following his participation in The Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic last Monday, July 17th. The Mayor accomplished this feat while on Overlook 8, the eighth hole of the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club in Nassau County. The Mayor hit his golf ball 158 yards, landing just two-feet, eight-inches from the pin -- five feet closer than the runner-up -- securing his first-ever golf tournament trophy.

"It is an honor and pleasure to accept this trophy from The Marty Lyons Foundation," said Mayor Giuliani. "Marty Lyons is an exceptional person who dedicates a great deal of his time and effort to help terminally ill children, and his Foundation reflects his generosity and love. This is a great Foundation and an absolutely terrific tournament, and I look forward to participating again next year, when my golf game will be even better -- but I don't think Tiger Woods is in jeopardy."

Former New York Jets defensive lineman Marty Lyons created The Marty Lyons Foundation in December of 1982 following several events. On March 4th, Marty's first son, Rocky, was born. On March 8th, Marty's father passed away and on March 10th a young boy named Keith, whom Marty mentored as a Big Brother, succumbed to leukemia. Marty dedicated himself to honoring the memory of his father and good friend Keith by establishing The Marty Lyons Foundation. The Foundation is focused on improving the quality of life for terminally ill children and children suffering from chronic, life-threatening diseases by fulfilling special wishes for these special children. The Foundation currently has chapters in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Florida.

"It is important for each of us to count our blessings and give something back to those less fortunate," said Marilyn Green, President of The Marty Lyons Foundation. "We are each born with compassion, but to make a difference in someone's life or to create change in the world, we need to put that compassion into action. Marty has been an inspiration to us all, as an athlete, leader and humanitarian. I was proud and delighted when Mayor Giuliani stepped up to the tee to support our mission of making dreams come true for children diagnosed with a chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness."

This was the 16th year of the Celebrity Golf Classic, which was held at the Sands Point Golf Club and the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club in Nassau County, New York. 305 golfers participated in the event, and helped to raise more than $100,000. Individuals interested in learning more about The Marty Lyons Foundation can contact the organization at 1-877-560-WISH.

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