US: South African Summer Citrus Honors Eight U.S. Youth as 2012 Soccer Stars
The award was established by the South Africa Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF), a consortium of about 350 South African Citrus growers who export citrus to the U.S.
“When we decided to bring our citrus products to the United States, it took courage, imagination, commitment and unbeatable determination and resulted in success,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of the WCCPF. “With our ongoing partnership with US Youth Soccer, we have seen these same characteristics exhibited by many of the players involved in this sport.”
Soccer and oranges go hand-in-hand, with citrus products being the snack of choice at soccer games across the country. WCCPF has been a long-time supporter and partner with US Youth soccer, supplying fruit for regional and national tournaments each summer.
Soccer Star award winners were selected from nominations submitted in the form of essays. Entrants were asked to share personal experiences demonstrating how they have displayed courage, imagination, commitment, unbeatable determination and success. Entries were received from all regions of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.
“We are honored to recognize these eight youth who represent the best of American spirit, courage and leadership,” Conradie said. “The South Africa citrus growers have shown these qualities repeatedly by not only exceeding but also maintaining the rigorous U.S. standards for quality and safety. In like fashion, these eight youth have maintained strenuous schedules and demonstrated incredible determination and commitment to achieve their goals and a great deal of success as athletes and students. Our selection task was difficult, as we had a large number of impressive entrants. We thank and congratulate all of the entrants for their achievements and wish them continued success.”
The South African citrus export program began in 1999 after a small group of citrus growers realized the need and importance of establishing an export program to the United States. Through determination and leadership, the group adheres to and exceeds the rigorous standards set by the USFDA for exports. WCCPF continues to exceed these standards and maintains the highest levels of quality and safety for fruit shipped to U.S. consumers. South Africa is the world’s second largest exporter of citrus, producing 60 percent of the Southern Hemisphere’s citrus. Since the U.S. export program began, South African citrus exports to the United States have grown from 50 tons in 1999 to more than 40,000 tons shipped annually to U.S. consumers.
The following youth were selected as Summer Citrus Soccer Stars:
Top: Taylor Ross, Carson Ruhland, Grace Brown, Christopher Gibson
Bottom: Shelby Meckstroth, Hunter Henry, Julian N. Carvajal, Bianka Parrish
For more information:
Lisa Packer
Tel: 610-688-3164
[email protected]
www.summercitrus.com