TEMPLE-RAMPART : Businesses Treat Kids to Super Bowl

When the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills square off in the Super Bowl today, about 700 special guests, ages 12 to 15, will be in the Rose Bowl stands, thanks to a program sponsored by local businesses.

The program, “Touchdown for Youth,” was developed by Sheldon I. Ausman, chairman of the Super Bowl Host Committee, to give disadvantaged youths selected by Los Angeles-area youth and community groups a chance to attend the game, receive athletic shoes, sportswear and souvenirs and take part in the halftime show featuring Michael Jackson.

Local businesses and corporations have donated more than $600,000 to cover the tickets, transportation, meals and gifts, said Andy Camacho, a member of the host committee.

Camacho made the first of several announcements about the program last week at the offices of Search To Involve Pilipino Americans Inc., one of seven organizations serving the Asian and Pacific Islander communities that were involved in the selection process. Groups serving the African-American, Latino and Anglo communities also selected youths to attend the game.