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For Immediate Release

New York's "Copa Unica" Cup Begins
Health Plus Sponsors Soccer Tournament For Enthusiasts

Media Inquiries:Kathryn Soman (718) 491-7493
Customer Inquiries: Marketing Department (888) 809-8009

New York, NY - September 8, 2003 — Health Plus, the managed care organization, and Radio Unica (WWRU 1660 AM) are sponsoring the second Copa Unica de las Américas, a tri-state soccer tournament in which 16 different teams representing the United State, the Caribbean, and Latin American countries compete for the title cup.
 
The teams represented in the tournament are Argentina, Brazil, Caribbean, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the United States. Health Plus is once again providing the uniforms, designed to resemble those of their corresponding teams, thus creating a feeling of pride for players and spectators alike.
 
This past weekend at Natives, a soccer restaurant and bar in Jackson Heights, the teams were presented their uniforms. Also at that venue, the trophies were displayed, including the "Copa Unica de las Americas," which the winning team will receive.
 
"As one of New York City's premier healthcare providers, Health Plus firmly believes that sports play an important role in keeping people healthy whether we play or watch," said Kathryn Soman, Director of Communications for Health Plus. "In addition, Copa Unica fosters values such as self confidence, pride and camaraderie among members of the communities Health Plus serves."
 
The matches began on September 6th and are scheduled to take place on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 25th at the East River Park in Manhattan at Grand Street and the FDR Drive. A total of 28 games will be played by the end of this tournament.
 
In addition to the winning team receiving the prestigious "Copa Unica de las Americas," they will also receive an $8,000 cash prize. The second place team, a $4,000 cash prize, while the third prize winner will be awarded a $2,000 cash prize. Additionally, a $1,000 cash prize goes to the player who scores the most goals in the tournament; $500 to the best goal keeper; and $500 to the MVP.


At the opening ceremony at Nativas in Queens, this years trophies were displayed and the "Copa Models" displayed some team jerseys with Health Plus's Director of Communications, Kathryn Soman (Center)

In this year's first Copa Unica Match, Team Paraguay upset Team Columbia (1-0)

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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.