(City of Pittsburgh Press Release): Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced today that the City will be hosting a noontime celebratory rally on Thursday, June 30, in honor of Hines Ward and Kym Johnson's 'Dancing With the Stars' (DWTS) win on May 24. The rally will be held in front of the City-County Building Portico, located at 414 Grant Street. The City is calling on all Hines and Kym fans to cheer on and congratulate the dancing duo on their victory.
"City residents and the Steelers Nation have contacted my office asking for the City to properly thank our hometown hero for once-again shining the spotlight on Pittsburgh," Ravenstahl said. "After weeks of media tours and a little bit of rest, I'm happy to announce that Hines and Kym will be here on Thursday. Not only can fans thank the dancing duo, but Hines and Kym want to thank Pittsburgh and the Steelers Nation for their support throughout the season."
Fans will have the opportunity to hear directly from Hines and Kym and can participate in one of two contests to have their picture on stage with the dancing duo and the Mirror Ball Trophy, or to win signed Steelers memorabilia. Steelers announcers Craig Wolfley and Tunch Ilkin will serve as the emcees. Mayor Ravensathl will officially declare Thurs., June 30, 'Hines Ward and Kym Johnson Day' in the City of Pittsburgh. Fans are encouraged to wear black and gold that day and to bring their Terrible Towels to the rally.
"I am back to thank the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation for all their support during DWTS. I couldn't have won the Mirror Ball Trophy without you and without the great coaching and choreography of my dance partner, Kym Johnson," said Hines Ward. "I wanted to win this trophy for the City of Champions and for the greatest fans in the world."
FAN PARTICIPATION CONTESTS
- YouTube Contest - The City is calling on Pittsburgh's biggest DWTS fans to create a YouTube video that shows off their best dancing skills. Videos are due by 4 p.m. Wed., June 29, and must be emailed to CityDWTScontest@gmail.com. The City will post the top five videos on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/city.of.pittsburgh) and the participants of the three videos with the most "Likes" by 11 a.m., Thurs., June 30 will be invited on stage to perform in a dance-off contest, this time with Hines, Kym, and the Mayor as the judges.
- Videos must remain under two minutes, and there can be no more than two individuals per entry. Email entries must include contestants' contact information, including phone and e-mail. Selected participants will be contacted by phone at 4:30 p.m., Wed., June 29.
- The three finalists will be invited to take a photo with Hines, Kym, and the Mirror Ball Trophy. The winning duo will also receive two signed Hines Ward jerseys.
- Salvation Army Collection and Raffle- The City is asking for fans to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Salvation Army. Fans who donate to the Salvation Army will be able to enter their names for a chance to win a Terrible Towel signed by Hines Ward and Kym Johnson. The donation boxes will be located at both sides of the City-County Building Portico.
