Teens to Take Big Shots Against Substance Abuse

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GEICO and the Rost Foundation Sponsor Loudoun Basketball Tourney April 18

PURCELLVILLE, Va., April 16, 2009 – A basketball tournament put on by teens for teens may be a big step in preventing teen substance abuse. Among those attending the April 18 tournament, organized by the Loudoun Do Something Now Club, will be Washington Mystics player Nikki Blue and Joe Harrington, director of men’s basketball student-athlete services at the University of Maryland.

This first "Big Shots 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament" is open to all high school students between the ages of 14–18. It takes place on Saturday, April 18, 5 to 10 p.m., at the Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville, Va., 20132. Sponsors are GEICO and the Rost Foundation.

Registration information can be found at www.loudounteens.org or by contacting Jennifer.Rutkowski@loudoun.gov, (703) 777-0343.

The evening will be filled with organized 3 on 3 tournaments, shoot-out contests, free pizza, a live DJ, and an appearance by the GEICO Gecko®.

The Loudoun County 2009 Youth Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Project Plan Team, which includes the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Sheriff’s Department, Loudoun Do Something NOW and Loudoun Valley High School, has organized the evening to help teens tackle the issue of teen substance abuse.

"The student organizers went to a seminar to learn how to address the issue of teen substance abuse, and from the training they thought of the Big Shots Tournament as an alternative to drinking or drugs," said Rhonda Walker, Loudoun Do Something Now adult sponsor.

"Teens from all over the area can spend their Saturday shooting some basketball and meeting kids facing similar situations. We will also have professionals explaining how kids can lead a healthy lifestyle, and if a teen is already struggling with substance abuse, we will have information on where they can go to get help."

"Young people in our communities are faced with tough choices every day, but finding an alternative to alcohol or drugs shouldn’t be one of them," said Rynthia Rost, GEICO vice president. "GEICO is committed to helping teens make smart decisions, and we are pleased to sponsor a group of such committed teens and community members who are working toward that same goal."

About the Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as a dynamic community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 11 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 17.5 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motor homes (RVs). Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.

*A.M. Best

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