• $50,000 solar installation to be awarded to a school in the hometown of MLS Cup champion, LA Galaxy.

Craig Collins, Solar 4 R Schools Program Manager; Tom Payne, President of the LA Galaxy; Chris Canetti, President of the Houston Dynamo; JoAnn Neale, Executive Vice President of MLS; Chris Charity, National Sales Manager of Continental Tire of the Americas

“We are thrilled to be working with MLS W.O.R.K.S and BEF to put a solar installation in a school in the hometown of the LA Galaxy, MLS Cup champions,” commented Travis Roffler, director of marketing, Continental Tire. “This program will deliver an immediate energy saving impact to the school allowing them to become more sustainable.  At the same time, it represents an ongoing educational tool and a continual reminder of the many ways we can positively impact the environment.” 

The first solar installation under this partnership, in what will become an annual event, will be completed by Earth Week 2012. At that time, MLS W.O.R.K.S. and Continental Tire will announce details about how one school in select MLS markets in the United States will have an opportunity to earn a similar solar installation in 2013 and beyond.  The program will encourage fans and partners in various MLS communities to reduce carbon emissions and increase environmentally friendly behaviors. With the commitment and resources of Continental Tire, MLS communities will not only have the opportunity to leverage Solar 4 R Schools educational components but also to make a long-term infrastructural improvement for their local environment.  

“MLS W.O.R.K.S. is committed to environmental sustainability and is proud to be partnering with Continental Tire on this great initiative," said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of Major League Soccer. “This announcement has provided another exciting element to what was an incredible MLS Cup final. The LA Galaxy and their community will benefit greatly from receiving a solar installation at a local school.”  

Craig Collins, Solar 4R Schools program manager, added, "BEF and the Solar 4R Schools program are thrilled to have Major League Soccer and Continental Tire as partners in our efforts to bring solar and renewable energy education into schools and classrooms across the country."  

The Solar 4 R Schools initiative is a part of the broader partnership between MLS W.O.R.K.S and Continental Tire known as Greener Goals which strives to showcase practical ways to have a positive impact on the environment.  Through the Greener Goals program MLS W.O.R.K.S and Continental Tire have combined efforts to help MLS clubs, fans and communities reduce their carbon footprint.  Verified Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) have been purchased to offset fan travel and stadium operations for the championship match as well as the MLS All-Star game. In addition, Continental Tire, in partnership with the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has distributed nearly 20,000 reusable shopping bags, seed packets and NRDC Eco-tip guides on-site at MLS games from New York to Seattle.