June 20, 2008
LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH TO REPRESENT RI FOR MLB S.T.A.R. AWARD FROM MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL®
Alcino Aviles-Soares Recognized for Demonstrating Positive Behavior in Sportsmanship, Team Spirit, Achievement and Responsibility
Alcino Aviles-Soares, 12, a member of the Wanskuck Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, has won the 2008 Major League Baseball (MLB) S.T.A.R. Award, presented to Boys & Girls Club members throughout the country who have demonstrated an all-around positive attitude in after-school sports, fitness and recreation programs. He was presented with a certificate of recognition at a Club ceremony recently, and now will represent Rhode Island in the regional competition.
The MLB S.T.A.R. Award program operates on local, state, regional and national levels. Each of the approximately 1,174 Boys & Girls Club organizations throughout the country and military installations around the world have the opportunity to select one overall S.T.A.R., ranging in age from 10 to 18, who exhibits the characteristics of a leader.
The S.T.A.R. Award program recognizes Club members who lead by example, and demonstrate sportsmanship, team spirit, achievement and responsibility on the playing field, at the swimming pool, in the games room or in the dance studio. It is these attributes that help Club members “Succeed the MLB Way™!”
“Our relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has enabled us to reach out to a largely under-served group of young people,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “We started the MLB S.T.A.R. Award program last year and were pleased by the strong response from kids across the country. We look forward to recognizing more young men and women this year and helping them establish a strong foundation for a successful future.”
Aviles-Soares, a twelve-year-old attending Veazie Elementary excels at basketball and flag football and has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence for five years. He now qualifies to compete for the state MLB S.T.A.R. Award. The state winner will be recognized by Major League Baseball and vie for six regional spots, earning them the opportunity to attend the MLB All-Star Game in July. One national winner will be invited to a MLB World Series game in October, where he/she will be introduced to Commissioner Selig and recognized for his/her achievement.
“We are thrilled that Alcino has been chosen for this recognition. He is one of the young leaders in our community and demonstrates the best of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence,” said John F. Brewster, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence.