WORLD RECORD TO BE ATTEMPTED AT WESTERN HEMISPHERE’S LARGEST YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Attempt will raise money for local Big Brothers Big Sisters program

July 5, 2000 Blaine, Minn. - Ferdie Adoboe, renowned soccer instructorand current holder of the world record for speed juggling a soccer ball, will attempt to break his own record as part of a clinic and demonstration at the SCHWAN'S USA CUP International Youth Soccer Tournament, Blaine, Minn. Adoboe will make his record-breaking attempt at a free breakfast being provided by Malt-O-Meal for tournament participants at the National Sports Center.

During the breakfast, Malt-O-Meal will be presenting local Big Brothers Big Sisters board member, Joe Schmit, with a monetary donation to the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Malt-O-Meal is pledging $5 for every soccer ball tap. The purpose of the donation is to assist the charity in fulfilling their role in mentoring today’s children and helping these children reach their full potential.

"This event will be very positive for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and for the many youngsters participating in this tournament," said Schmit. "With so many teams competing, the SCHWAN'S USA CUP is a highly competitive tournament, with thousands of kids putting forth their best effort. The drive and hard work they demonstrate will help them in the tournament and will be a building block for their lives outside of soccer."

Adoboe’s speed juggling record, registered with Guiness World Records, was set on January 29, 1999 at Fort Lowell Park, Tucson, AZ. There, he set the record for 30 seconds (136 soccer ball taps) and 60 seconds (262 taps). The attempt at SCHWAN'S USA CUP will be the first time that Adoboe has tried to break his own record. The attempt will be at approximately 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 19, in front of the Malt-O-Meal breakfast tent at the entrance of the National Sports Center.

In addition to his world record attempt, Adoboe will be holding a two-hour interactive clinic and demonstration with tournament participants. During this clinic, he will display the techniques to speed juggling, and show how speed juggling can help improve a player’s overall performance.

"Speed juggling is an important component to mastering the game," said Adoboe, president and founder of Ferdie’s Soccer Magic Academy. "Speed juggling gives players the ability to handle a ball under pressure and with control. By mastering the ability to control the ball, players can flourish under the heavier demands of today’s game."

SCHWAN'S USA CUP is the featured tournament of the SCHWAN'S USA CUP Soccer Festival at the National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, Minnesota. SCHWAN'S USA CUP is the largest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, with 25 countries and 34 states represented. More than 10,000 players ranging in age from 10 to 19 compete in the international tournament and take part in activities to build relationships with teams from around the world, including soccer clinics, Soccer America sponsored seminars, visits to Minnesota tourist attractions, and grand dances.

The National Sports Center is a unique sports facility and home to the largest soccer complex in the world. NSC includes 52 soccer fields, a 13,000 seat track and field/soccer stadium, cycling velodrome, indoor arena with 200-meter track, Olympic weightlifting room and dormitory with full kitchen service. NSC also includes the Schwan’s Super Rink, the largest ice arena in the United States, and will soon be home to the National Youth Golf Center, designed by the PGA Tour. For more information on SCHWAN'S USA CUP, visit www.usacup.org.

About Malt-O-Meal

Malt-O-Meal bag cereals come in 18 varieties that taste every bit as good as the leading box brands, but are less expensive and come in a resealable plastic bag. The Minneapolis-based company started in 1919 and has produced hot and cold breakfast cereals for more than 80 years. Malt-O-Meal is the country's fifth largest cereal manufacturer.