Feature article on the American Samoa Football Academy and Medical Mission by JJ's Foundation

DMN = Dallas Morning News
SMU = SMUmustangs.cstv.com

DMN Note: "The Second Annual American Samoa Football Academy and Medical Mission will be held in Pago Pago, American Samoa, June 26 & 27, 2009 and once again sponsored by the June Jones Foundation. The Football Academy will be led by Southern Methodist University Head Football Coach June Jones and several past and present NFL players of Samoan descent including San Francisco 49er great Jesse Sapolu, the "Throwin Samoan" Jack Thompson and legendary Pro Bowler Junior Seau."

The Academy is a free two-day clinic for all American Samoa children and football coaches. Last year, the inaugural Academy drew over 600 participants. For the second consecutive year, five $2,000 collegiate scholarships will be awarded based on the recommendations and criteria established by the American Samoan Department of Education.

Ellie Taft (wife of SMU Assistant Football Coach Jeff Reinebold), a health care professional, will once again lead the Medical Mission, which will bring certified nurses and doctors representing more than 90 years experience in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics and more than 40 years of expert training. The Medical Mission team has a goal to deliver $150,000 in medical supplies, toys, games and medical teaching tools generously donated by Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children (KMCWC) for the health providers in American Samoa."

SMU Note: "The Academy is sponsored by the June Jones Foundation and provides a free two-day clinic for all American Samoa high school junior varsity and varsity football players and their coaches. Nearly 1,000 players are expected to attend this year's Academy, doubling the number of participants from last year. The Academy and Medical Mission also will provide $250,000 in medical supplies, up from $150,000 last year, as well as $50,000 in football equipment and attire, five $2,000 scholarships to U.S. colleges and several hundred pairs of football cleats."

About the Football Academy and Medical Mission, JJ said:
"The Football Academy and Medical Mission is the first ever program that combines sport, education and healthcare for American Samoa. I hold a special affection for the Polynesian culture and their values of work, faith, loyalty and family. These are the qualities that have led to the success of so many NFL players of Samoan descent." (DMN)

About the Football Academy and Medical Mission, Togiola Tulafono (Governor of American Samoa) said:
"We are deeply honored for this special blessing through the game of football. I am proud to join our young people in to partner up with June Jones for this special opportunity to gain experience from a great man who has devoted many years in developing our special blend of island football. This is a great opportunity for our young people, our families and our government. We extend a big fa'afetai tele to Coach June Jones." (DMN)

DMN Note: "Serving as Chairman for the American Samoa Football Academy & Medical Mission is Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Paul is Chairman of Penloyd Holdings, LLC, a commercial fixtures company, and Blackwolf, LLC, an independent oil and gas company. He also serves as a Trustee for Southern Methodist University, and is a Board member for three public companies. He graduated from SMU, where he was captain of the football team and later, received his Masters of Business Administration (with honours) from Harvard Business School."

About the Football Academy and Medical Mission, Paul Loyd, Jr. said:
"I am proud and honored to be joining Coach Jones and the other dedicated individuals who make this meaningful program possible. We look forward to doing our part and making a difference in the lives of others." (DMN)

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/june-jones-heads-to-american-samoa-again.html

http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062509aab.html