MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 7 / / -- Sun Country Airlines has been contracted to charter the University of St. Thomas (UST) baseball team for a historic flight to Havana, Cuba, on January 22 and return the team to Minneapolis/St. Paul on January 29.
Also accompanying the team will be several dignitaries including University and political officials as well as some members of the media.
"Sun Country is honored to be asked to participate in this historic event," said Bill La Macchia, Jr., President and CEO for Sun Country Airlines. "St. Thomas' decision to use Sun Country for this momentous occasion is a strong show of support from the University."
La Macchia added, "This historic trip would not be taking place if not for the hard work of St. Thomas officials. This is a credit to the University and it is a tremendous honor for Sun Country Airlines to represent St. Thomas, the State of Minnesota and the United States for this
occasion. St. Thomas is reaching out to strengthen U.S./Cuba relations and we are pleased to play a role in this."
The game between the Tommies and the University of Havana will be one of only a handful of games played between Cuban and U.S. teams in Cuba since Fidel Castro came to power about 40 years ago. A team from Johns Hopkins University played on the island in 1986, and last spring, the Baltimore
Orioles became the first professional team allowed to play in Cuba since the 1959 communist take-over.
ATTENTION ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:
The Sun Country plane will be on the ground in Havana for up to 5 hours before returning to Minneapolis/St. Paul on January 22 and 29. Space is limited, but some media could fly on the Sun Country plane with the team and return the same day. To request a seat on the plane, fax the following
information to Tammy Lee at 651-681-3970:
1) Full Name
2) Date of Birth
3) Passport Number
4) Passport Expiration Date
Please contact the Cuban Consulate (202-797-8609) to verify what other documents are required for media clearance. Space is limited and is at the discretion of Sun Country Airlines. For more information, contact Tammy Lee at 651-681-4840.
SOURCE Sun Country Airlines
CO: Sun Country Airlines; University of St. Thomas
ST: Minnesota, Cuba
IN: AIR LEI SPT
SU:
01/07/2000 10:48 EST http://www.prnewswire.com |