Norton to Throw Out Ball at Soccer USA Cup and to Speak Jazz on the Mall Today

Norton to Throw Out Ball at Soccer USA Cup and to Speak Jazz on the National Mall Today to Help Showcase Activities in D.C.

June 12, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will be at two major events today to bolster her work in Congress to strengthen the District's tourism industry, to fight obesity, and to eradicate homelessness. Norton will roll out the first ball for each match at 800 Water Street at 3:00PM at the Street Soccer USA Cup, a soccer tournament and organization that uses the sport to provide homeless men, women, and youths with job training and life skills. At 4:30PM, Norton will give remarks at Jazz on the National Mall, the largest music festival in Washington, D.C., which features more than 100 performances at venues through out the District. The jazz festival, which showcases jazz artists from around the world and introduces emerging artists, is part of the Congresswoman's effort to add entertainment and fun to the nation's capital brand.

"Today's events provide outdoor fun for residents and tourists while also raising awareness and appreciation for homelessness, physical fitness, and music," said Norton. "The DC Jazz Festival and the Soccer USA Cup are important to changing D.C.'s brand as only a ‘government town' to a city where major, fun events happen all year long." Norton, who walked in the Pride Parade yesterday, also will speak at the Capital Pride Festival today between 1:00PM and 2:00PM.

Last week, Norton said that she is recommitting to her efforts to open the Mall to more activities, instead of letting it remain an underused green space.