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Honda Helps At-Risk Youth Put Their Best Foot Forward at Upcoming L.A. Marathon    

2 March 1999

Honda Helps At-Risk Youth Put Their Best Foot Forward at Upcoming L.A. Marathon    

             - Soccer Star Cobi Jones Offers Motivational Tips -

    TORRANCE, Calif., March 1 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,
today helped 1,500 at-risk youth get a step closer to personal achievement
through the donation of new Saucony running shoes they will wear in the
Los Angeles Marathon on March 14.  The youth are all members of Students Run
L.A. (SRLA), a school-based intervention program that helps students channel
their energies into positive activities, by training for and completing the
26.2-mile marathon.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990226/LAF025 )
    The donation was made today at a special event where soccer star
Cobi Jones -- a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the U.S. Olympic soccer
team -- addressed a gathering of SRLA students, providing inspiration and
advice.
    "You can do anything you set your mind to, once you take the first step,"
Jones said during his address to the students.  "That goes for running a
marathon or anything else in life."
    Life lessons and personal fulfillment are at the core of Students Run
L.A., which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.  Through marathon
training and running, the program teaches students commitment, dedication and
discipline -- lessons they can call upon throughout their lives.
    "By providing these students with an important resource -- running shoes
-- we can partner with Students Run L.A. to help today's youth grow and
achieve higher goals," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American
Honda, presenting sponsor of the L.A. Marathon.  "It's great to watch these
kids cross the finish line and know that we were part of their journey."
    "The value of support from companies like Honda goes beyond the donation
of these much needed running shoes," said SRLA Executive Director Marsha
Charney.  "The commitment of successful companies like Honda also sends a
message to these students that others believe in and support their success."
    Honda has supported Students Run L.A. for three years.  The non-profit
organization relies upon grants and contributions from local foundations,
corporations and individuals.  Honda associates who participate in the
L.A. Marathon or Acura Bike Tour also are helping raise funds for the
organization.
    Students in the SRLA program participate in weekly training for nine
months and complete the regimen with stronger self-esteem and confidence.
To date, more than 85 percent of Students Run L.A. participants have graduated
from high school with plans to go on to college and careers.  More than 5,000
Los Angeles area, at-risk students have benefited from the program.  The
organization was founded in 1989.