Tim Howard PSA

NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS FEATURES SOCCER STAR TIM HOWARD

January 18, 2005 – Bayside, NY – The Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is distributing a print public service announcement featuring Tim Howard, goalkeeper for Manchester United, the internationally renowned British soccer team (click here to view in Adobe Acrobat™ format). Howard, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) at the age of 11, has been a longtime spokesperson and supporter for the association.

“It was extremely gratifying to see Tim featured on a ’60 Minutes’ segment on January 17, 2005. Once again, Tim has served as an inspiration to all those living and coping with Tourette Syndrome,” said Judit Ungar, President, TSA.

A native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and formerly of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in America's Major Soccer League, Howard has been active in creating awareness and fostering education of this much misunderstood neurological disorder. In 2001, he was named Major League Soccer Humanitarian of the Year for his charitable efforts on behalf of TS. Howard continues to work closely with TSA on public awareness campaigns and mentoring programs

Howard’s TS earned more headlines than his goalkeeping in the British press during the months leading to his signing with Manchester United. Some papers presented a distorted view of the disorder, referring to him as “disabled” and as “suffering from the cursing disease.” But Howard never shied away from the negative publicity and passionately confronted these inaccuracies to help dispel the misconceptions and reduce stigma.

The print PSA, “TS is a Speed Bump, Not a Stop Sign,” can be accessed on the association’s website or can be obtained by calling the TSA Public Relations Department at (718) 224-2999 ext 236.

Click here to read more about when Tim Howard joined Manchester United in July 2003 and his involvement with TSA.

Founded in 1972, the TSA celebrates 33 years of service to the Tourette Syndrome community. As the only national, voluntary health organization for people with TS, the association has a three-pronged mission of education, research and service. TSA has chapter representation throughout the country.

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For more information, please contact Tracy Colletti-Flynn, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, by email tracy.flynn@tsa-usa.org or at (718) 224-2999, ext. 236.

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