NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Johnson & Johnson helped to put on two unique sports attractions at New Brunswick High School this Friday, beginning with an opportunity to view the 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer trophy.

The high school’s gymnasium had a lively atmosphere, with faculty members, students, families, and avid soccer fans of all cultures and ages enjoying the trophy and taking pictures with it in the afternoon.

Later that night, a team of city firefighters and teachers took on a team of former Rutgers athletes in a celebrity basketball game to raise money for the HUB Teen Center.

The celebrity team included some NFL players like Tiquan Underwood, Brian Leonard, Mohamed Sanu, and Devin McCourtey, pitted against New Brunswick teachers, firefighters, public works workers, along with members of the NJ Special Olympics

But the trophy, on the first of its three stops in the United States, was the highlight of the day.  Members of the public interacted and enjoyed the educational and engaging activities sponsored and provided by Johnson & Johnson; the official healthcare sponsor of both FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and FIFA World Cup Brazil.

All those in attendance not only were able to have their pictures taken with the 2014 Brazil World Cup trophy and win a prize by scoring a goal in soccer shooting game, but were also able to hear a brief presentation on the dangers and of dehydration and concussions from Diana J. Storace, the coordinator of John & Johnson’s Safe Kids program.

The incorporation of education at such an event, especially an event held at a high school, was an obvious decision according to Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman, Carol Goodrich.

“What better way to incorporate health and awareness education than at this very event being held here today?” Goodrich asked.  “Of course New Brunswick and New Brunswick High School!  Why not share such a great opportunity with the very community we have served and continue to work with for over 125 years?”

The 2014 World Cup trophy continued onto Newark, where Johnson & Johnson is hosting a similar event today, before finishing the American leg of its tour with a final stop in California.

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.