NMAA TO PARTNER WITH FORMER NFL VP OF OFFICIATING TO LAUNCH BATTLEFIELDS TO BALLFIELDS PROGRAM
The NMAA is would like to announce that it has partnered with former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current NFL TV Analyst, Mike Pereira, to launch “Battlefields to Ballfields” here in New Mexico.
Battlefields to Ballfields is a Foundation that provides military veterans an opportunity to integrate back into their communities through officiating. The Foundation pays for uniforms and dues that are required by the associations the veterans will join at the local level. Battlefields to Ballfields pays for their equipment, training materials, insurance, and provide a mentor–who will train and follow them as they move up the ladder in officiating. Those who have been involved in officiating already have felt the joy of stepping out onto the field or a court. With it comes a great sense of value that leaves one with a feeling of accomplishment. In serving in the military, and in officiating, there’s the common bond of being a member of a team and creating order out of chaos. Battlefields to Ballfields provides these veterans with an opportunity to hone their newfound officiating skills and participate in something that will give them a new sense of self-worth along with the ability to make some extra income.
NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez said, “We are extremely excited to partner with Mike Pereira and Battlefields to Ballfields. The program is not only great for the veterans that have served our country, but it will also help the state association grow its officials’ numbers during a time where we are experiencing major shortages in all sports.”
Mike Pereira will be in Albuquerque on Thursday, May 24th to officially launch the program – New Mexico will be the first state to do so and will serve as the template for implementation nationwide. The New Mexico Activities Association will host a press conference at 2pm on May 24th at the NMAA office to showcase this partnership. In addition to providing information and answering questions during the press conference, Mr. Pereira will also be making appearances on several Albuquerque based radio stations (Coyote 102.5, ESPN Radio 101.7 The Team, & 610/95.9 The Sports Animal).
For more information regarding this press release, please contact Dusty Young, NMAA Associate Director at (505) 977-5385.
