One more LITTLE Step

PRESS RELEASE
Coalition Provisional Authority
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 3, 2004

Baghdad Beautification Comes to Al Rashid District

A new multipurpose recreation facility has opened in the Al Dura
neighborhood, benefiting thousands of residents in Baghdad's Al Rashid
district.

The Al Dura Sports Complex includes a soccer field with bleachers,
basketball court, a place for volleyball and a playground with several
types of exercise equipment. The area was a vacant lot full of trash
when the project started. It is an example of renovating and improving
areas for public recreation called for by Ambassador Bremer in his
Baghdad Beautiful initiative.

This success is the result of neighborhood District Advisory Council
(DAC) leaders working together with the US Army First Cavalry Division
to determine a project which would most help the area.

The ribbon cutting ceremony opening the facility was led by Sami Ahmed
Sharif, the Al Rashid DAC Chairman, and Colonel Stephen Lanza of the US
Army First Cavalry Division. Also in attendance were Baghdad City
Councilman Sabin Radhi Zubun and US Army Brigadier General Jeffrey
Hammond. Over 500 local residents, mostly children and their parents,
attended the ceremony

Councilman Saba' Radhi Zubun said, "This will benefit many families in
my district. For example, 60 soccer teams will play here in a
tournament soon. And there are five schools with over 1,000 children
each who can use this facility."

The children liked it as well. A twelve year old named Jafa said, "This
is a very good idea. I play soccer, and my brother is on the field
right now playing for the Iraqi Police Service team."

His friend Mustafa added, "Thank you, American Army!"

A soccer game was played between the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC)
and the Iraqi Police Service (IPS). IPS was victorious by a score of 2
to 0.

Shirts promoting "progress and prosperity" were given to everyone in
attendance. Also distributed was a calendar featuring drawings by
school children of police helping the community.

END