News Release - Mayor Duffy invites families to the 10th annual Main Game

City of Rochester

News Release

(July 10, 2009) - Mayor Robert J. Duffy invites families downtown for the 10th annual Main Game, an outdoor recreation extravaganza, hosted by City Recreation 1-6 p.m., Sat., July 25 at a new location this year, under the big tent at the Downtown Festival Site, Court and Exchange Streets.  This year's "Main Game" features hundreds of free, fun activities that are also offered at some 30 recreation and community locations throughout the city.      

"Main Game showcases the many positive, youth development focused activities offered to youth within our city recreation centers,” Mayor Duffy said. “From sports leagues to cultural programs, our recreation staff reaches out each day as role models and mentors to thousands of city youth. I encourage families to come downtown for what promises to be a fun event and see what's available to their children all year long."      

The event features an entertainment stage, display booths, interactive games and arts and crafts projects from every City Recreation facility. The City's award-winning activities in gardening, dance and a variety of sports activities will be demonstrated or available for hands-on participation.     

“The Main Game is the perfect venue for parents and guardians to learn about programs available in the City’s Recreation and Community Centers. We are proud of the diversity and depth of our programs and look forward to exposing the community to what is available,” said Charles Reaves, Commissioner of Recreation and Youth Services for the City.    

Under the big tent, displays and interactive activities will showcase the City's neighborhood recreation and community centers and give the public an opportunity to meet recreation staff. Booths will represent Adams Street, Ave. D., Campbell St., Carter St., Edgerton Complex, Flint St., Webster/Humboldt Complex, North St., South Ave, Genesee Valley Sports Complex. Other booths will highlight the Southwest Area Neighborhoods (SWAN), Clinton-Baden Community Center,  Pathways to Peace, Youth Voice/One Vision (City and County youth organization) and Community Place of Greater Rochester.      

Main Game will spotlight the WDKX, 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament finals from noon–5:30 p.m.  Billed as the basketball “Big Event,” the competition will again this year engage hundreds of youth during preliminary tryouts at 14 city recreation locations on July 18, noon–5 pm. Youth may call 311 or 428-6755 for further information.      

Stage performances by talented finalists in the The Community Foundation Youth Talent Showcase will captivate the crowds from 1–3 p.m. in categories such as dance, step, rap, poetry and song.  Performers – all  Rochester residents – were selected following two audition opportunities on June 14, 22 and 23 at the Edgerton Community Center, Stardust Ballroom.       

Also on stage will be the Main Game house band with special guest appearances by local talent throughout the day.     

Rochester actor/writer/comedian Joel James will serve as emcee for the day. James began his acting career in plays such as “The Color Purple” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” Students and instructors of Shihan Mike Monaco's Kyokushin-Kai Karate program will amaze the crowds from 1–1:30 p.m. with karate skills — followed by a 1:30 – 2 p.m. martial arts demonstration of Goshin Jutsu by Dr. Kamae McNeil. Medieval dancers and fighters in costume will also demonstrate their talents and Rochester-area amateur boxing clubs will give exhibitions from the boxing ring  from 2:30–4 p.m.     

Main Game will also feature several popular activities such as the YMCA Love 15 Program (tennis instruction and games) from 1–3 p.m.; a soccer exhibition by Flower City Soccer; and a floor hockey demonstration/clinic by Genesee Valley Youth Hockey Team.  The Rochester Fire Department’s Fire Safety house will also be on-site.     

Players and mascots of various Rochester teams will be present, including Rochester Razor Sharks, Rochester Raiders, Rochester Grey Wolves, Rochester Amerks and Rochester Red Wings. A Youth Sports Showcase tent will highlight various youth sports organizations, such as Rochester Rams, River Flow Soccer Club and the Genesee Valley Ice Kats.     

For more information (and weather-related relocations): Call 311 (outside the city of Rochester 428-5990) or visit www.cityofrochester.gov. "Main Game" is sponsored by the City of Rochester, with support from WDKX and The Community Foundation.

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News Media: For further information please call Jim Farr, 428-6866 or 303-5934.