CASL Leader Charlie Slagle Challenges Participants to One-Mile Race

RALEIGH, NC, September 04, 2010 (Press-News.org) For a second consecutive year, Charlie Slagle, CEO of the Capital Area Soccer League (www.caslnc.com), is challenging CASL players, coaches and families to "Beat the Old Man" during the fifth annual Magnificent Mile Race (www.magmilerace.com). The fundraising event will be held on September 19 in downtown Raleigh. The top five male and female CASL members who beat Slagle's time will receive prizes and recognition during the event's closing ceremony.

"This is an opportunity for CASL coaches, players and their families to develop their fitness levels and support a good cause," says Slagle. "Part of our mission here at CASL is to help kids learn to be good community members as well as good athletes, and this challenge helps them be both."

For 21 years, Slagle served as head coach of Davidson College's soccer program. In addition to leading CASL, he hosts the Back of the Net radio program each Saturday morning on 99.9FM The Fan. The program is the Triangle's only show devoted to the game of soccer.

"We are so thankful to have Charlie as a part of The Magnificent Mile Race festivities again this year," says Sarah Roberts-Witt, founder and organizer of The Magnificent Mile Race. "He has not only had a tremendous impact on the game of soccer in North Carolina and throughout the country, but has also been a champion in the community."

The Magnificent Mile Race includes a competitive and recreational run/walk, kids' races, entertainment, food and other fun activities. Proceeds will benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (www.sp-foundation.org), a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for rare upper motor neuron disorders. In its first four years, nearly 2,300 participants have helped raise more than $150,000 for research into these devastating diseases.

About The Magnificent Mile Race:
Sarah Roberts-Witt, co-founder and inspiration behind The Magnificent Mile Race, was an avid runner and marathoner until developing primary lateral sclerosis in 2004. She is now confined to a wheelchair and is unable to speak. This race combines her love of running with her desire to find a cure for motor neuron disease. The Magnificent Mile Races have raised more than $150,000 to fund research grants awarded by the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. Visit http://www.magmilerace.com.

About Spastic Paraplegia Foundation:
The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization founded in 2000 and the beneficiary of The Magnificent Mile Race. Its primary mission is to find a cure for two rare upper motor neuron disorders, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and to raise awareness of their devastating effects. Some 86 percent of its funds go to this mission. Since its inception, the SPF has awarded more than $2 million in research grants. To learn more, visit http://www.sp-foundation.org.

About The Capital Area Soccer League:
The Capital Area Soccer League is home to more than 20,000 players, coaches, officials, parents, volunteers and supporters. CASL is non-profit corporation established in 1974 and is the largest club in North Carolina with more than 800 teams. The club serves the greater Raleigh area and its youth from ages 4 to 18 with all levels of play. CASL's mission is to provide instructional and competitive youth soccer opportunities that enhance character, community and love of the game of soccer. Integrated in this is the building of self-esteem, self-confidence, team work, respect for self and others, and all the inherent benefits of physical exercise. Visit http://www.caslnc.com.

Media Contact:
Brian Van Norman
919.232.5008
brian@articulon.com