From Scott Holste, Press Secretary - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon

Face-off between Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams will include fan donations to Joplin Recovery and Relief funds, recognition of first responders and volunteers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today joined Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan and St. Louis Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff to preview this Friday’s Governor Cup match-up at Arrowhead Stadium, which will include a number of activities to benefit and recognize Joplin recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The August 26th game will be the 42nd annual Governor’s Cup game, a series that has included exhibition and regular season games between the Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams (1996-present) and, prior to the Rams, the St. Louis Cardinals (1968-1987). 

The Governor made the announcement with Donovan and Demoff today at the Chiefs practice facility at Arrowhead Stadium.

“Missouri is fortunate to be one of a handful of states with more than one NFL franchise, and it is always exciting to see the Chiefs and Rams square off in the Governor’s Cup game,” Gov. Nixon said. “At the same time, it’s also great to have these two hometown organizations that truly care about the people of Missouri.

“This year’s Governor’s Cup will be dedicated to both assisting the people of Joplin in their continued recovery and rebuilding efforts, and to recognizing the thousands of volunteers and first-responders who have helped in Joplin,” the Governor said. “Friday’s clash at Arrowhead will provide fans with a preview of both teams’ regular seasons, as well as an opportunity to support Joplin.”

Fans attending the Chiefs-Rams game will have the opportunity to support the Joplin Recovery Fund and the Joplin Relief Fund by making donations as they enter Arrowhead Stadium.

Throughout the evening, the Chiefs will recognize first responders and volunteers, including more than 100 AmeriCorps volunteers, with both on-field ceremonies and video productions. Sideline personnel from both teams will also wear specially-designed hats and shirts worn by the teams during its recent visits to Joplin, which will be available at the stadium and online for purchase.

The Governor noted that the first responders who went to Joplin included more than 400 law enforcement and public safety agencies, including members of the Kansas City Fire Department and from several area police departments. More than 60,000 volunteers have turned out to help Joplin in the aftermath of the tornado, including those from the Harvesters Community Food Network and Heart to Heart International, both based in Kansas City.

“From the first hours and days following the tornado, we have been inspired the resiliency of the people of Joplin,” said the Chiefs’ Donovan. “Our employees who traveled to Joplin to volunteer experienced firsthand the power of their collective spirit. We’re hopeful that the Governor’s Cup game will give much-deserved recognition to the volunteers who have helped in the progress so far and bring visibility to the ongoing needs as the city rebuilds. We’re proud to join with Gov. Nixon and the St. Louis Rams in this important effort.”

“This year’s Governor’s Cup presents us with a unique opportunity to keep the spotlight on our fellow Missourians in Joplin, and remind people of the ongoing needs in that community,” said the Rams’ Demoff. “Our organization’s trip to volunteer in Joplin was a sobering reminder of both the devastation that occurred and the spirit of the community as it rebuilds. The Rams look forward to working with Gov. Nixon and the Kansas City Chiefs to leverage the power of sports to bring awareness and support to the people of Joplin.” 

“Beginning with the Cardinals-Royals ‘Teams United for Joplin’ series in June, Missouri’s professional sports organizations have stepped forward to help the people of Joplin, and that help has been tremendously appreciated,” Gov. Nixon said.

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Missouri Governor Jay Nixon inspects the Governor’s Cup before the 2010 edition of the game.