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DPR Media Contacts: Michael Tucker Jr., (202) 717-4242, [email protected]

(Washington, DC) - Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), thrilled the District's dog lovers earlier this year with DPR Puppy Bowl during Super Bowl weekend. This weekend they take the idea of a puppy game to new creative heights with DC Puppy World Cup on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Columbia Heights Recreation Center (1480 Girard Street NW) at 2 p.m.

"This fun event will spread awareness about Mayor Bowser’s 'Pride is Picking Up' campaign," said DPR Director Keith A. Anderson. "DPR has partnered with the Mayor's Office of Clean City to encourage the public to enjoy the District responsibly with their dogs, including picking up waste."

The Columbia Heights gymnasium will be transformed into a soccer stadium featuring two fields of play; one for adult dog free play and one special turf soccer pitch for official DC Puppy World Cup play. The event will include a referee and analysis from some of DPR’s most respected voices in local sports.

DPR modeled Puppy Bowl after the highly-rated Animal Planet show of the same name, but DC Puppy World Cup is an original conception based on the FIFA Fair Play style games that has captivated the world in recent weeks. It allows puppy owners to place their furry athletes in the pitch, while a live audience watches.

Spots on the DPR Puppy World Cup team rosters are reserved for puppies registered in Washington, D.C. and have all of their needed shots. DC Health will be on hand to make sure dogs are registered and compliant.

The event is free for all. It's not too late to sign up your pets. For more information about DPR Puppy World Cup and to RSVP to attend or have your puppy or dog play, visit DPR.events. Follow #DCPuppyCup on social media.

*Closest Metro: Columbia Heights Metro Station*

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About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.