Mia Hamm Celebrity Challenge in D.C. a Huge Success

The 4th Annual Mia Hamm Celebrity Soccer Challenge made it's first ever appearance in Washington, D.C. on Sunday at Kastles Stadium at the Wharf and it was a huge success.

Despite the brutal heat on a classic D.C. summer day the fans came out in force to come see Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Kobe Bryant, and multiple members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. The event benefits the Mia Hamm Foundation & Children's National Medical Center as well as to raise awareness of the Be a Match program which educates and encourages people to take the first step to become a bone marrow donor.

    Fans where treated to an amazing event with opportunities to meet and get autographs from some of their favorite USWNT players including Alex Morgan, Heather O'Reilly, Tobin Heath, and Virginia native Ali Krieger. There where NBA stars, current and retired NFL Players, former USMNT players, actors, and even local media members taking part in the action on the court which pitted the previously undefeated team lead by Nomar Garciaparra (3-0) against the team led by his wife and the most popular soccer player in U.S. soccer history, Mia Hamm.




The action was fast-paced often leaving little time for accurate updates via Twitter as @VASoccerNews attempted to provide live updates often witnessing multiple goals in less than one minute of each other. In the end Mia's team battled back for an exciting golden goal win in extra time provided by John Harkes (90 USMNT caps).

By far the biggest celebrity draw was NBA 5-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant who is a big fan of the beautiful game and a well know F.C. Barcelona supporter. Kobe held his own and putt on a great show along with the rest of the celebrity participants. To be certain the most positive thing to happen on this day was the fact that Be a Match actually ran out of test kits due to the overwhelming support and participation of the fans in attendance who where all clearly moved by the half-time stories of families and their donors. If you did not attend but would like to join the bone marrow registry you can easily do so Click HERE.

Always an amazing ambassador for the game of soccer, Mia Hamm will hopefully be encouraged to host the Celebrity Soccer Challenge every year here in D.C. Let them know you appreciate them coming to the capital city and want them to return by connecting with them on Facebook and/or Twitter: @MiaHammFdn.