New York has some great pro sports teams, but none of them can match the star power of New York’s MDA Muscle Team, made up of top pro athletes teamed-up with children challenged by Muscular Dystrophy and brought together for two inspiring events, a kickoff on Monday, Nov. 17, and the “MDA Muscle Team 2009” on Jan. 6, 2009, both held at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. New York-based jockeys Edgar Prado and Norberto Arroyo Jr. will join athletes from the NY Giants, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Islanders and NY Nets on MDA Muscle Team 2009 to bring awareness to the Muscular Dystrophy cause and bring in approximately $1 million to help support of the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Norberto Arroyo Jr., a Muscle Team 2008 alumnus, will represent the NYRA jockey colony at Monday’s kickoff and both Prado and Arroyo are scheduled to be on hand for the main event on Tues., Jan. 6, 2009. Along with the rest of Muscle Team 2009, they will be featured in newspaper ads, billboards and platform ads on all regional subway and railroad lines. Additionally, both Muscle Team events get extensive media coverage.

This marks the third year that New York Jockeys have participated in the MDA Muscle Team. Chantal Sutherland, John Velazquez, and retired riding legend Angel Cordero Jr. have lent their time and efforts to past MDA Muscle Teams.

For more information concerning MDA’s Muscle Team, please visit www.nymuscleteam.org.