BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 11, 2007 – The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame will present the Chicago Bears organization with its annual Pro Team Community Award at the Bears home opener, Sunday, Sept. 16 at Soldier Field.

The Pro Team Community Award annually recognizes an organization in professional athletics that has set the bar as an exceptional role model within its community.  The Bears organization was selected for its positive impact on the Chicago community through charitable outreach efforts, cause-related marketing initiatives, and grass roots programs in education, children and families, health and wellness, youth football, volunteerism and civic initiatives.

“The Bears emphasis on programs aimed at disadvantaged youth and the ability to reach some 7,000 students in the Chicago Public Schools – all during the football season -- is particularly impressive,” said World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame founder Myron Finkbeiner.

“The themes of character development, goal setting and a commitment to excellence are traits that build a strong sense of citizenship among youth and serve as a foundation for Chicago’s future community leaders,” he said.  “The Bears indeed represent all that is good in sport.  The city of Chicago can be proud of the Bears’ leadership to improve the lives of everyone throughout the community.”

Through 2006, members of the Bears organization, including players and staff, made 261 community appearances, primarily at schools, hospitals, health organizations and youth agencies.

Highlights included the Bears School Outreach Program in which players spoke to over 7,000 students in 21 different Chicago Public Schools; the “Hello to Our Heroes” program which saw Bears players help hundreds of middle school students write letters to men and women of the military who are serving our country overseas; and the “Tales to Tackle” reading incentive program that reached over 8,600 students in the Chicago area.

In addition, hundreds of children in Chicago area hospitals received a visit from Bears mascot Staley through the “Bears Hugs” program, the 18th annual Bears coat drive helped collect over 17,500 coats, which were donated to deserving children and families through the Salvation Army and public schools; and the 12th annual Bears Care Gala raised over $650,000 to support breast and ovarian cancer research and treatment programs. Bears Care has issued nearly $13 million in grants since its inception in 1995.

The Bears are the 12^th recipient in the history of the award and were chosen from a pool of applicants from the NFL, NBA and WNBA, NHL, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and NASCAR.  Larry Maneely, President of the board of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame will present the award at Sunday’s home opener vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

About The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com), located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community. More than 35 sports-humanitarians have been enshrined in Boise, including tennis great Arthur Ashe, MLB pioneer Jackie Robinson, NFL coaching legend Tom Landry, the NBA’s David Robinson, soccer great Pelé and the Harlem Globetrotters. The Hall was the inspiration behind Boise’s Humanitarian Bowl, and its Humanitarian Awards program annually recognizes exceptional community-focused organizations and leaders from Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NCAA College Football and other organizations. The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is open weekdays to visitors and humanitarians of all ages.

World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Pro Team Community Award Recipients

2006 Chicago Bears (NFL)

2005 Sacramento Kings & Monarchs (NBA / WNBA)

2004 Dallas Stars (MLS)

2003 Detroit Lions (NFL)

2002 Chicago Fire (MLS)

2001 Denver Nuggets (NBA) / Colorado Avalanche (NHL)

2000 San Antonio Spurs (NBA)

1999 Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

1998 St. Louis Blues (NHL)

1997 Houston Rockets (NBA)

1996 Orlando Magic (NBA)

1995 Boston Celtics (NBA)