The Urbandale, Iowa, Little League All-Stars became one of eight U.S. teams to make it to the 2009 World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, last month. All the kids grew up in CHARACTER COUNTS! schools and were engaged with the Pursuing Victory With Honor sportsmanship program through their Little League experience.

After their 5-3 triumph over Mercer Island, Washington, in the quarterfinals, Urbandale became the first Iowa team to win a World Series game since the field expanded to 16 teams in 2001 after four previous clubs went winless.

Unfortunately, they were eliminated 8-3 in a semifinal game with Staten Island before 16,900 fans at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.

“The boys battled,” said Urbandale manager Scott Grau. “We were looking for that spark to happen, and it never came. I couldn’t be prouder of the way they conducted themselves.”

The San Clemente CHARACTER COUNTS! in San Clemente, CA will be hosting their annual CC! Week Jamboree to celebrate the Six Pillars of Character. This year the Jamboree will feature a Wild West theme, including 70 educational booths, arts and crafts, games, and many western performances!

The Jamboree will take place at Vista Del Mar Middle School on Saturday, September 26 to celebrate CHARACTER COUNTS! and National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week. For more information about the events taking place in San Clemente, please call 949-361-8368.