Verizon Continues as Title Sponsor of USA Track & Field's Millrose Games, Feb. 7

NEW YORK - For the second year, Verizon will be the title sponsor of the time-honored track and field competition, the Millrose Games, which will be held Feb. 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"The Verizon Millrose Games is a wonderful way for our company to express our support for young people and the communities we serve," said Bruce Gordon, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "From seasoned world champions to local high school runners, the Verizon Millrose Games gives athletes an opportunity to compete on the world's stage for track and field events."

The Verizon Millrose Games will be the 96th edition of the longest-running sporting event in Madison Square Garden's history. Along with title sponsorship privileges, Verizon receives premium on-camera signage and commercial time during the event's national broadcast on NBC and ESPN2.

In connection with the games, the company also is conducting an essay contest for New York City teenagers. Students, age 14-17, are asked to write about "What does progress mean to you?" The essay ties in with Verizon's corporate advertising theme "Make progress every day." Winning essays will be selected by NYC Reads, Verizon's literacy partner in New York City. Winners will receive complimentary tickets to the Verizon Millrose Games.

This year's Verizon Millrose Games will feature stars such as sprinters Maurice Greene and Terrence Trammell, and pole-vaulters Nick Hysong, Jeff Hartwig and Stacy Dragila.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Verizon as the title sponsor of this historic event. The company's commitment to excellence in Olympic sports has been proven over time, and it is evident in this event, which features the World's Greatest Athletes and the World's Number One Track and Field Team," said Craig Masback, CEO of USA Track & Field.

A sponsor of USA Track & Field since 2001, Verizon supports the Verizon Youth Series, a set of youth track and field events that comprise USA Track & Field's junior development program, and recently launched the Verizon Youth Progress Award, a scholarship program that focuses on high-school seniors involved in track and field and cross-country. Verizon also sponsors the 2002 Verizon Youth Athlete of the Year Award.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 135.8 million access line equivalents and 32.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and 229,500 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to 33 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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