The Soccer Ball Design Challenge offered soccer fans and players the opportunity to become the official designer of the 2011 Uniroyal soccer ball.
Fourteen-year-old Garron Garcia of Broken Arrow, Okla. created the winning graphics that will be kicked around by thousands of youth soccer leagues nationwide.
“Ever since we submitted the design in September, my son has been calling it his ‘$5,000 soccer ball’,” says Garcia’s mother, Sherrill. Garcia plays with the Broken Arrow Soccer Club, a long-time participant in the Uniroyal soccer program with partner dealer Robertson Tire.
Established in 1962 by Tulsa native Ted Robertson, the company remains family operated after growing to 11 locations. It was named “Tulsa’s Best Tire Dealer” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
With the slogan, “Keep Rollin’ With Robertson,” the full- service chain offers spacious waiting rooms and clean restrooms among other amenities. The company is active in several civic and charitable activities, including making a donation of $2,900 in funds and equipment to the local Owasso Soccer Club.
“Since its founding, the Uniroyal Soccer Program’s aim has been to make a difference in local soccer communities,” says Ashley Ramos, Uniroyal’s communications manager. “The Uniroyal Soccer Ball Design Challenge was another way for the soccer community to get involved by creating the ball, which is the centerpiece of our program.”
Thus far the endeavor has contributed nearly $12 million in money and equipment to young soccer players and their leagues.
Garcia has won a grand prize package that includes a set of Uniroyal tires, a $1,000 check, 50 soccer balls featuring the winning design, an Apple iPad, an Official FIFA World Cup Soccer jersey, a $1,000 Visa gift card to local attractions, a $500 car service gift certificate and a $100 gift certificate to a sporting goods store.
For more information, visit www.uniroyaltires.com and www.robertson- tire.com.
