VILLANOVA, PA (Thursday, May 1) – Philadelphia Charge defender Heather Mitts announced today that she has purchased 200 tickets for the 2003 Charge season and will donate them to the Special Olympics. Mitts, in cooperation with FILA, will seat 20 Olympians per game in a section called “Heather’s Heroes” starting with the Charge’s home opener on Saturday, May 3 at Villanova Stadium.

“It’s important to me that these athletes, families, volunteers and everyone associated with Special Olympics get recognized for their hard work and accomplishments,” Mitts said. “I just want to continue what the Special Olympics has started and provide a haven where sports foster friendship and confidence through training and competition.

“I would like to thank the Charge, FILA and the Special Olympics for making this possible. These athletes are tremendous individuals who have had to overcome so much and have done it with such pride, determination and honor.”

“I speak for everyone involved in Special Olympics, especially the athletes, when I say how thrilled we are to have such a gifted athlete and great person such as Heather Mitts on our team,” said Gary Discount, Director Special Olympics Philadelphia. “We thank Heather for her interest in Special Olympics and we look forward to a wonderful relationship. Her enthusiasm and passion will be an inspiration to our athletes. We would also like to thank the Philadelphia Charge and FILA for supporting Heather in her support of Special Olympics Philadelphia.”

Heather’s Heroes came about this offseason when Mitts approached the Charge front office with her idea and wanted it to benefit the Special Olympics. She then spoke to her sponsors at FILA and they also jumped at the opportunity to be involved with Heather’s Heroes.

"FILA is proud to be associated with Heather's Heroes," said Alex Chater, Fila Soccer Marketing Director. "Heather Mitts is a champion on and off the field and we are excited to help Heather give back to the community."

FILA Sport S.p.A. headquartered in Biella, Italy is a leading designer and marketer of footwear and apparel for sport and free time. Fila has created strong brand recognition by marketing products with a high design and style content and by securing professional athletic endorsements.