Washington, DC (July 1, 2015) – Muuzii®, Inc., the world’s most universal and flexible mobile language translation and language learning service, receives rave reviews for its mobile translation service during the 2015 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG).  The event, taking place in Fairfax County, Virginia and other locations throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, lasting through July 5, 2015, has brought 12,000+ professional, public safety athletes from 70 countries to compete in 60+ sports to qualify for over 1,600 medal events.

Jerome I. Williams, Director of Medical and Protocol for the WPFG, and Captain for the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, stated, “We have been extremely happy with Muuzii®’s mobile language translation solution and it has worked perfectly for our communication needs to provide important information to the athletes, staff and volunteers attending the Games from all over the world.”  He added, “The simplicity of using Muuzii® for translation on any mobile phone by just texting is amazing; the support in communications for our international athletes and visitors has been outstanding with Muuzii.”

Angie Carrera, Partnership Developer and Volunteer Resource Coordinator for the Office of Public Private Partnerships - Fairfax County Government, further added, “Working with Muuzii®, both the mobile translation solution and the team supporting the Games has been tremendous.  Since Muuzii®’s translation service is not an ‘app’ and simply works by texting, our staff and volunteers have become experts in translation using Muuzii in a few minutes and have been very effective in supporting the success of the Games.”  She added, “Yesterday, I had one volunteer who needed to communicate with someone in Hungarian.  I told her to follow the wonderful instruction card Muuzii® designed for our volunteers and after a short pause, she said, ‘that was certainly very easy.’ “

Muuzii®’s service was purposely designed for universal use and operates using text messaging for delivery of language translations between English and 40 of the world’s leading languages.  Because the delivery platform is just text messaging, Muuzii® does not need a smartphone operating with an “app” and an expensive mobile broadband data plan to work.  Also, it does not need connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot to work.  As long as there is phone has cellular coverage, Muuzii® will operate on any phone, at any time and any place. 

Muuzii® Founder and CEO, Eric Fang stated, “We saw The World Police & Fire Games as an ideal opportunity to showcase Muuzii®’s service and the importance of our fundamental goal – to provide a solution that provides and promotes global communications.  The team we have put together to support the Games, inclusive of the volunteers supplied by Fairfax County, have ranged from 80-year olds to 13-year old students, from the latest smartphones to flip phones, and we have successfully taught all to use Muuzii® within a few minutes.  We had one individual try to use an “app” from Rosetta Stone and upon seeing how easy Muuzii® was to use, told with us he was going to cancel his service with Rosetta Stone.” 

Eric Fang added, “We have also been excited at the great interest by the police and fire athletes to use Muuzii’s translation services once they leave the Games in their day-to-day professional and personal lives.  The police have explained how using Muuzii in their patrols and calls brings a powerful tool to communicate with others and not having to wait for a translator to support language needs.”

FAIRFAX, VA – Fairfax 2015 announced today that it has formed a partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority) to jointly promote the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), which will bring thousands of domestic and international athletes and visitors to the Greater Washington area this summer. 

 

As part of the joint marketing agreement, the Airports Authority will provide welcome booths, signage, videos and announcements, as well as access to event collateral and special airport concessions for visitors arriving at both Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports. Additionally, at Dulles Airport, visitors will be able to enter “selfie booths” and take souvenir photos that can be shared via social media.

 

For its part, Fairfax 2015 will broadcast a video and welcome message from Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Chief Stephen Holl and Fire Chief Gary Mesaris during the World Police & Fire Games’ Opening Ceremonies, which will take place at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. on June 26 at 6:00 p.m. The Airports Authority also will have an information booth in the athlete staging area before the ceremonies and will provide airport information materials for distribution to visiting athletes.

 

Fairfax 2015 and the Airports Authority also will engage in co-promotion activities via their websites, social media and other outreach materials before and during the Games. “Partnering with the MWAA will enable us to provide a special heroes’ welcome to all first responders participating in the World Police & Fire Games, as well as the tens of thousands of visitors coming to Fairfax County this summer,” said Bill Knight, president and CEO of Fairfax 2015. “We look forward to working together and highlighting the Washington Metro area’s world-class air transportation facilities and services to our guests from the U.S. and abroad,” he added.

 

"As a partner with the World Police and Fire Games, Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will provide warm welcomes to athletes from across the country and around the globe as they converge on the National Capital Region," said Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Jerome L. Davis. "With welcome centers, special promotions for athletes and photo opportunities at Washington Dulles International and Reagan National, we will ensure these world-class athletes have world-class travel experiences to and from the games." in Anticipation of Summer 2015 World Police & Fire Games

 

About the MWAA:

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, established in 1987 by the governments of Virginia and the District of Columbia, manages and operates Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International airports, which together serve more than 40 million passengers a year. The Airports Authority also operates and maintains the Dulles Airport Access Road and the Dulles Toll Road and manages construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail system into Loudoun County, Va. No tax dollars are used to operate the toll road, which is funded by toll revenues, or the airports, which are funded through aircraft landing fees, rents and revenues from concessions. The Airports Authority generates more than 387,000 jobs in the National Capital Region.

Fairfax 2015 announced today that Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association and former Governor of Oklahoma, would be joining the Honorary Board of the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.

Keating, who won national acclaim for his compassionate and professional handling of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, joins the WPFG Honorary Board just weeks prior to the 20th anniversary of this tragic event. 

“The addition of Frank Keating to our Honorary Board is only fitting as he has first-hand experience as a law enforcement officer and working with and directing first responders in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing,” said Fairfax 2015 Board Chair and Cardinal Bank President, Kevin Reynolds. “It is a tribute to these brave men and women that Governor Keating has agreed to serve in this capacity.”

Keating joins a notable list of Honorary Board members including among others, Virginia Governor, Terry McAuliffe, Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, Former Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, President and CEO of Northrop Grumman, Wes Bush, President of George Mason University, Ángel Cabrera and Gerry Connolly , Barbara Comstock and Don Beyer of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am honored to join such an esteemed group of supporters of the 2015 World Police & Fire Games,” said Governor Keating.  “More so, I am pleased to have the opportunity to show my support for the first responder community.  I have a great respect these amazing individuals having seen them in action during difficult times.  They are more than deserving of our respect and admiration.”

Born in St. Louis, Keating grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.  His 30-year career in law enforcement and public service included service as an FBI agent; U.S. Attorney and state prosecutor; and Oklahoma House and Senate member.

In 1993 Keating won a three-way race for Oklahoma Governor by a landslide and was easily re-elected in 1998 becoming only the second governor in Oklahoma history to serve two consecutive terms.  Keating also served Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in the Treasury, Justice and Housing departments.

 

~Chef Rj Cooper vs. Fairfax County Firemen~

(FAIRFAX, VA) March 2015 – In anticipation of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games, ~Gypsy Soul~ (8296 Glass Alley; Fairfax, VA, 22031; 703.992.0933; www.gypsysoul-va.com) is hosting firemen of various Fairfax County firehouses to go up against James Beard award-winning Chef RJ Cooper in a chili cook-off battle event.  Each Monday beginning March 2^nd, and ending March 30^th, firehouses have a chance to raise money benefitting this biennial athletic event, open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world.

Located in the Mosaic District in the Merrifield neighborhood of Fairfax, Virginia, ~Gypsy Soul~ is centrally located for the Games’ approximate 12,000 entrants (slightly more than the Summer Olympic Games) and 5,000 volunteers and is also a supporter of Fairfax 2015. 

“I have profound respect for first responders.  The bravery they perform daily is priceless. As a cook, I have heard about these amazing firehouse cooks, and well, let’s just say challenge on!  Chili is like pizza – it’s all deeply personal and let’s see who comes out of the fire!” says Chef Cooper in response to the weekly battle throwdown.

The launch date of this battle royal is March 2^nd.  Each team, Chef RJ Cooper vs. a Fairfax County Fireman, will prepare 50 portions to serve at both lunch and dinner service at ~Gypsy Soul~.  Guests receive two bowls of chili along with a ballot for $10.  The votes are tallied at the end of the day and the winner is announced the following morning via social media.  Customers must buy the chili in order to vote.  First come, first served and firemen will be on hand to discuss the Games and chili cook-off throughout the weeks.  If the firehouse wins, the Games receive 100% of the chili revenue from that day.  If Chef wins, they receive 50% - the stakes are high!  The Firehouse to receive the most votes receives a pig roast by Chef Cooper.

“This partnership is an example of the type of excitement the 2015 World Police & Fire Games are bringing to this community,” states Bill Knight, President and CEO of Fairfax 2015, Inc., the organizing committee for the Games.  “We are excited to work with Chef RJ Cooper and his team to promote the Games and provide a platform for Fairfax County Firefighters to showcase their culinary skills!”

To further the stakes, each Monday is a different chili style.
March 2^nd:  Red Chili
March 9^th:  Chili Verde
March 16^th: Vegetarian Chili
March 23^rd:  Venison Chili
March 30^th:  Turkey Chili

About Award-Winning Chef RJ Cooper

Chef RJ Cooper is a Detroit native who’s resume spans over 20 years in some of the top kitchens in the U.S.  A graduate of The Culinary School at Kendall College in Chicago, he has worked with esteemed colleagues including Jean Joho, Tony Mantuano, Daniel Schaffhauser, Guenter Seeger, Eric Ripert, and Jeff Buben.  Chef was honored in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation with the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic award for his work at Vidalia in Washington, DC.  The host of the online television series “Chefs of Anarchy” and Iron Chef America battle chef, Cooper owns Rogue 24 in Washington, D.C., a restaurant where his passion and love for the culinary craft, paired with old and new world technique, and laced with a bit of rock and roll form this three-star adventure in dining.  ~Gypsy Soul~ in Fairfax, Virginia, is his second restaurant and features his devotion to the American farmer through life at the table.  He is an active member in many local and national non-profits focusing on hunger, children and local community.  Cooper resides in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Judy, and twin daughters, Bridgette and Ava, and is often seen on his Harley-Davidson with hair blowin’ in the wind seeking out the next great ingredient to his cooking.

Media Relations:
Bronwyn Jimenez
Gypsy Soul
PR@gypsysoul-va.com
Tel. 202.288.4049

FAIRFAX, VA – (February 10, 2015) Fairfax 2015 and the World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) have announced the official venues and locations for the rapidly approaching event. The Games are one of the largest multi-sport events in the world with over 12,000 athletes from police, fire and other public safety agencies expected to compete between June 26 and July 5, 2015. Venues span the National Capital Region providing opportunities for the entire community to get involved and support the global first responder community.

The Games will feature 61 sporting events hosted across 53 venues in and around Fairfax County, Virginia. Notable venues include:

• George Mason University - One of the largest sports hubs for the Games, GMU will host 13 events at their athletics facilities, including baseball, basketball, boxing, bodybuilding, Judo, swimming and several others. As many as 4,200 athletes are expected to compete over 10 days at GMU’s Field House, Aquatic Center, the RAC and Center for the Arts. In addition to the athletic events, GMU will also house approximately 500 athletes at student resident housing.
• Lerner Town Square at Tysons II - Centrally located in the vibrant Tysons Corner area, Lerner Town Square will be the site of the dodge ball, CrossFit® and beach volleyball competitions. The location is easily accessible via the new Silver Line metro and is located near shopping and dining at Tysons Corner Mall. This marks a venue change for the beach volleyball competition.
• Springfield Town Center – Newly re-opened in October 2014, Springfield Town Center is the final Games venue addition. The town center will play host to the Ultimate Firefighter Competition, a multi-day competition that tests participants capabilities in four stages – Hose Task, Weight and Strength, Obstacle Course and High Rise.

“The World Police & Fire Games truly unite our community in support of the brave first responders who keep us safe. The range of locations across the National Capital Region illustrates the local community’s enthusiasm for the Games,” said Bill Knight, Fairfax 2015 President and CEO. “From large venues like George Mason University to local high schools and parks, we are thrilled to bring this year’s Games to so many locations around the area, allowing Fairfax and the greater D.C. area to show their support for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to public safety”. 

Two of the larger participatory competitions will take place in multiple venues with Ice Hockey featured at the Kettler Capital Iceplex, Reston Skatequest, Ashburn Icehouse and the PrinceWilliam Ice House and Golf teeing off at the Laurel Hill Golf Club, Lansdowne Resort and the Evergreen Golf Club.  Both Indoor and Outdoor Soccer competitions will take place in Loudon County at the Dulles Sportsplex and Morven Park respectively.

As previously announced, Opening Ceremonies for the Games will be held at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC on June 26 and Closing Ceremonies will be held at the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center on July 5.  Reston Town Center will be the home of Athletes Village and Games Expo.

“While it has been a daunting task to schedule so many events into so many different venues, it has been a pleasure working with each of our partner venues,” said DJ Mackovets, Fairfax 2015 COO. “Each venue, from the smallest to the largest, is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our participating athletes and showcasing Fairfax County and the Capital Region to the world”

For a complete and up-to-date list of sporting events and locations, please see the Interactive Venue Map on the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games website.