Anaheim Team Wins Second Year of Youth Recycling Challenge

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- By working hard and recycling more than 13,000 pounds of materials, the Anaheim Impact, a boys team comprised of players 13 and under representing the Anaheim Soccer Association (ASA), is the official winner of the 2011 Recycle. Goal. Competition, which challenges local youth soccer teams to recycle.

"The boys worked so hard and I'm very proud of them and what they accomplished. In fact, I'm proud of all of our teams from ASA that took part," said Dave Ramey, vice president of ASA, which had four participating teams. "We are so appreciative that the partners—American Chemistry Council, Keep California Beautiful, Dick's Sporting Goods and the Galaxy—gave us this chance to not only raise funds, but to also help the environment and clean up our communities."

The Impact was one of 25 teams across Southern California to participate in the 9-week competition to see which squad could recycle the most materials by weight. Collectively, the teams recycled more than 26,000 pounds of materials, which is 20,000 more pounds than what was collected and recycled during last year's inaugural competition. This year's total of recyclables included more than 2,600 pounds of plastics.

"These young athletes are committed to the Recycle. Goal. contest and their hard work pays off in many ways for all of us," said Christine Flowers, executive director of Keep California Beautiful. "Their efforts help keep our communities clean and they're rewarded while they learn valuable lessons about recycling. I want to congratulate all the participants."

All qualifying teams earned a gift card from Dick's Sporting Goods. The winning team will also take part in a free soccer clinic conducted by the LA Galaxy and receive tickets to a future Galaxy game. A Galaxy player will take part in the clinic.

The second place team, the girls under 12 Anaheim Impact, also from ASA, will receive a gift card from Dick's Sporting Goods and tickets to a future Galaxy game. The Anaheim Impact girls recycled more than 4,500 pounds during the competition.

"The Galaxy congratulates all the participants in the Recycle. Goal. challenge," said Tom Payne, president of the LA Galaxy. "We are proud to stand with the other partners to offer a program that helps protect our environment and inspires these players to learn about how their behavior can make a difference."

"These players responded to the challenge and kept more than 26,000 pounds of recyclables, including plastics, paper and aluminum, out of the waste stream," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. "These materials will go on to have many valuable lives, which is good for the environment and good for the many businesses that convert these items into products. I want to thank all of the players for their hard work and dedication."

"We are proud to support programs like Recycle. Goal., which encourages youth to be socially responsible," said Lauren Hobart, chief marketing officer of Dick's Sporting Goods. "This is a win for everyone involved. Players are rewarded for their efforts to recycle, and we all get to live in communities that are a little brighter as a result."

To learn more about the Recycle. Goal. competition, please visit 2valuable2waste.com.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council