TSN: === MLS commissioner Don Garber to deliver keynote speech April 3 === Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The FireWorks for Kids Foundation, the Chicago Fire's charitable arm, has announced that the 2003 Season Kickoff Luncheon, sponsored by Athletico, is set for Thursday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year's keynote speaker will be MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "The season kick off luncheon is the first of the annual marquis events produced by the Fire Works For Kids Foundation," said FWFK Chief Executive Officer Donald Ortale. "This year's event will mark the first opportunity for Fire fans to meet the players and coaches of the next era of Fire history. We are very proud that MLS Commissioner Don Garber has agreed to be our featured speaker at this years event." Garber, who became Major League Soccer's Commissioner in August of 1999, has made significant strides in forging closer ties between MLS and the American soccer community. In leading the League into the new millennium and a "New America" he made the decision to return the League to the traditional rules of the game, a move widely hailed among fans. Along with these efforts Commissioner Garber has also succeeded in creating strategic business alliances with MLS' commercial and television partners to ensure the League's future success. "As one of the most successful charitable initiatives in MLS, the Fireworks for Kids Foundation is a shining example of what can be achieved when MLS clubs and their local communities team up," said Garber. "I look forward to being part of the Foundation's first event of the season and meeting all those who have helped it become what it is today." Among other innovative concepts introduced during Garber's tenure was the formation of Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the marketing arm and sister company of Major League Soccer. The organization, which was founded with the goal of unifying soccer in America under the slogan "One Sport One Company", acquired the rights to the English-language television rights of the 2002 and 2006 Men's World Cup and the 2003 Women's World Cup, which will be held in China this September. Last year's landmark agreement with two major networks helped bring the emotions of the Korea/Japan World Cup and the USA's quarterfinal run to millions of American viewers. "The kickoff Luncheon is always a great event and this year will provide fans with their first opportunity to meet at least a dozen new Fire players and our new head coach," said Fire GM Peter Wilt. "I am appreciative of Commissioner Garber's commitment of his time to speak at this event. Fire fans will have the chance to hear directly from the man whose leadership has driven the growth of Major League Soccer the last three years." 02/04 10:21:47 ET 04Feb03 15:22 GMT Source SPN The Sports Network - direct