DJ Alex Sensation and La MEGA 97.9 Team up with OBT at the Third Annual Battle of the Badges in Coney Island

BROOKLYN, NY—July 25th, 2011

OBT Executive Director Randy Peers is pleased to announce that DJ Alex Sensation, of the hit radio station La Mega 97.9fm, is teaming up with the FDNY, NYPD, NYC Department of Corrections, and the Port Authority Police Department of NY & NJ at the 3rd annual Battle of the Badges softball tournament on Sunday, July 31.

The Battle of the Badges softball tournament will feature three games from 11 am to 4 pm at the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones – MCU Park, in Coney Island. The day will also include various family fun activities such as rides, bounce houses, clowns, face painting, the PAPD Pipes & Drums, NYPD Mounted Unit, arts and crafts, and other entertainment including live music and dance performances.

DJ Alex Sensation is NYC’s top Latino DJ from the number one rated Latin radio station La Mega 97.9fm , and is a true advocate in helping underprivileged populations throughout the world. Recently, Alex received an award for his outstanding performances by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics. “We are extremely excited that an entertainer of Alex Sensation’s caliber has decided to partner with OBT and support our programs for young adults,” said Evelyn Ortiz, Public Relations Director for OBT.

Last year’s event drew over 1,300 people to the stadium, as supporters watched NYC’s Bravest, the FDNY, take home the coveted Heroes Trophy. 2010 was the first year the Fire Department participated in the tournament. Three games will be played in round-robin format, with the first two winning teams advancing to a championship game.

Angel Lopez, team captain for the Port Authority Police Department of NY & NJ and board member for OBT, conceived of the Battle of the Badges softball tournament in 2009.

"I created the tournament to benefit Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow because of my desire to give back to the community and give back to an organization that provided me with opportunities that have contributed to my successful career and the careers of many other New Yorkers," said Officer Lopez, who is a graduate of the OBT program.

This year, the Battle of the Badges is being sponsored by TD Bank, Astoria Generating Company, Health Plus, SIMS Metal Management, NY Life, Skody Scot & Company, Silverman, Sclar, Shin & Byrne, Healthfirst, Con Edison, and La Mega 97.9fm

Tickets are available for purchase online: $10 for General Admission, and $50 for the VIP Sky Deck Reception. Visit OBT’s website at http://www.obtjobs.org/index.php/114

All proceeds from the Battle of the Badges will go to support the programs and services of Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. The organization’s mission is to help disadvantaged youth and adults recognize their own self-worth, and advance towards self-sufficiency and financial security through job training, academic reinforcement, improved life skills, job placement, and support services.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) was founded in 1984 by the late Sister Mary Franciscus, RSM, to serve the at-risk, out-of-school, and unemployed youth of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The mission of Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow is to help disadvantaged youth and adults recognize their own self-worth, and advance towards self-sufficiency and financial security through job training, academic reinforcement, improved life skills, job placement, and support services. Today OBT serves over 3,000 people annually out of three locations – Sunset Park and two in Bushwick, Brooklyn. OBT is considered one of the leading job training organizations working with youth in the country.