Boxing Merchandise Sold to Support Iraqi Boxing Dream

Contact: Dave Mingey 914-360-5313 THE IRAQI NATIONAL BOXING TEAM CREATES “IRAQ IS BACK” OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE WEBSITE All Profits Go To Support The Dreams Of Iraqi Boxers Baghdad, Iraq, April 7, 2004 – The National Olympic Committee of Iraq, along with its National Boxing Federation, announces that official merchandise emblazoned with their now-famous boxing cheer, “Iraq is Back!” is available worldwide through the Olympic Committee’s website, www.nociraq.org. “We’re excited by our first commercial internet venture,” said NOCI President Ahmed Al-Samarrai. “It’s very important to find creative ways to fund our Olympic Movement. This slogan certainly has taken on a life of its own.” Among the items available on the website are t-shirts, hats, coffee cups and posters. “This cheer has become our daily motivation,” said Maurice “Termite” Watkins, the former professional boxer from Texas who coaches the Iraqi fighters. “We start and end every training session by chanting this slogan as we do a little dance. As soon as people heard about it, they asked if we had anything printed with this slogan. I’m thrilled to know that we finally have the ability to sell this gear and help support these inspirational fighters.” Depending the outcome of qualification and wild-card invitations, the National Olympic Committee of Iraq hopes to send approximately 28 Iraqi athletes, including one boxer, this August to the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece. If you have any questions, please email Dave Mingey at mingeyd@orha.centcom.mil