Contact:
Chris Widmaier/Dave Lockett
National Football League
(212) 450-2070

CHICAGO BEARS TEAM WITH NFL, NIKE AND YMCA TO LAUNCH
FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUES FOR CHILDREN THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS

Children Can Register Throughout Summer
For Leagues That Begin In September

NEW YORK, July 10 -- The Chicago Bears, the NFL, NIKE and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago are launching flag football leagues this fall for children throughout Illinois. NFL Flag, presented by NIKE will give boys and girls ages 6-14 the chance to participate in organized non-contact youth football leagues from September through November. All teams will wear Chicago Bears-identified uniforms.

"We want every child throughout the state of Illinois to have the chance to play in our new flag football leagues," said Scott Lancaster, director of youth development for NFL Properties. "NFL Flag is structured so younger children can have fun while being introduced to the sport of football, while also allowing more experienced kids to test their skills against their peers."

NFL Flag offers two different games that children of any age will find easy and fun to play. The games include NFL Ultimate Football, which is ideal for younger fans because it promotes continuous action, and every player has an equal chance to touch the football; and NFL Flag Football, which is played like traditional flag football (a flag hanging from a waist belt, which must be snatched by an opponent).

Children who want more information on how to register for their local NFL Flag league can call 1-800-NFL-SNAP. Parents and children who do not live near a local NFL Flag league but would like to start one in their own community should also call the toll-free number for further information. NFL Flag leagues will be offered to Illinois children in the fall and the spring. 1998 spring leagues will begin in April.

NFL Flag is an element of the NFL’s "Play Football" initiative which provides exciting ways for children to play, watch and enjoy the game of football. Other "Play Football" programs include NFL C.I.T.Y. (Challenge and Inspire Today’s Youth) Football; NFL Gatorade Punt, Pass & Kick; Kmart NFL Family/Stadium Days; and NFL Starter Play Football Training Camps.