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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 232-04
August 31, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG JOINS DELEGATES AND GUESTS OF THE 2004 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION FOR BATTING PRACTICE AND BARBEQUE AT SHEA STADIUM

Event is Part of "Experience NYC" Program During 2004 Republican National Convention

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today joined delegates and guests of the 2004 Republican National Convention at Shea Stadium for batting practice and a barbeque as part of "Experience NYC", a four-day program (August 30 - September 2) produced by the New York City Host Committee to give visitors to the Convention the opportunity to experience activities and events unique to New York City.  Councilmembers Dennis Gallagher and James Oddo and Mets players Al Leiter and Tom Glavine joined delegates from the states of Alaska, California, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

"Taking batting practice and joining New York Mets players for a barbeque at Shea Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "Delegates and guests at the convention are enjoying the best the City has to offer this week, and today they are participating first-hand in a unique and exciting piece of our rich sports culture.   In addition to generating millions of dollars in economic activity and creating jobs, hosting the Convention allows us to share with the world what is great about New York City.  I want to thank the Mets for hosting this 'Experience NYC' event and giving our guests a chance to experience life on the field with one of New York's beloved teams."

"New York City is the greatest sports city in the world," said Kevin Sheekey, President of the Host Committee. "No other place has so many legendary sports franchises and events, and this is an opportunity to show our guests a glimpse of the excitement sports bring to the City. I want to thank the New York Mets for hosting this special event and for contributing so much to the vitality and life of this City."

"I plan on going to the Convention myself this week," said Mets pitcher Al Leiter, who was the master of ceremonies for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's inauguration ceremony in January of 2002.  "The delegates will get a chance to see where we work.  It should be fun for everyone involved."

The New York City Host Committee's "Experience NYC" program showcases a variety of New York City attractions each day of the convention.  Today's theme day, Sports, Parks and Community Service Day, featured an Olympic Athlete exhibition at Chelsea Piers and batting practice and a barbeque at Shea Stadium.  Other theme days include yesterday's Fashion and Retail Day which featured discounts at many New York stores; Music, Entertainment and Culture Day (Wednesday, September 1) which will include tours of New York City cultural institutions; and History Day (Thursday, September 2) which will include a breakfast at Gracie Mansion hosted by the History Channel and the NYC Host Committee 2004.  For more information, media should visit www.nyc2004.org.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler /Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958

Paul Elliott/Ethan Davidson (Host Committee)   (212) 630-8085

Colleen Roche (Linden Alschuler & Kaplan)   (917) 533-5537

Shannon Dalton (NY Mets)   (718) 565-4323




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