Isakson, Chambliss Praise Passage of Resolution Honoring UGA’s Gym Dogs

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of a resolution they introduced commending the University of Georgia’s gymnastics team for winning the 2009 NCAA national championship.

“These talented and determined women have accomplished a remarkable feat. Their achievements, not only in women’s gymnastics but in all of college athletics, are extraordinary and should be commended,” Isakson said. “It’s also a privilege to recognize the accomplishments of Suzanne Yoculan, who will retire as the most successful collegiate gymnastics coach in NCAA history.”

“It takes a great deal of dedication and sportsmanship to become a powerhouse, especially in college sports,” said Chambliss. “I’m proud of all the Gym Dogs, Suzanne Yoculan and the entire coaching staff, who have played an integral role in the journey to the national championships. I know all Georgians join me in congratulating the team on this tremendous accomplishment.” On April 17, 2009, the University of Georgia gymnastics team, also known as the Gym Dogs, won the program's 10th national title overall and fifth consecutive national championship.

The Senate resolution recognizes the Gym Dogs as the most successful gymnastics program in the nation and congratulates Suzanne Yoculan for her spectacular career as the University of Georgia’s gymnastics coach.

2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels

Tee up for the 2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels, sponsored by Magnolia Plastics Inc., and your entry fee will support Angel Flight. This means every shot you take helps provide free air transportation to anyone who needs specialized medical care.

Of course, a tournament this heavenly could only take place at equally divine courses: The Woodlands and Chateau Courses at Château Élan Golf Resort on Thursday, May 14th, 2009. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM. A delicious boxed lunch will be provided by Publix and the day concludes with an awards banquet and fabulous dinner by
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in the Pavilion!

Come enjoy a great round and help Angel Flight get people to the hope of potentially life-saving medical treatments! The Angel Flight philosophy is that the cost of travel should never stand in the way of receiving medical care. We are totally committed to our mission of removing the obstacle of transportation for individuals with medical and financial needs. And, in addition to getting people to medical care on a daily basis, we are privileged to be a “first-responder” in times of national crisis. By supporting the Tournament of Angels, you can help us fly patients from, to and through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Our pilots will take flight to get patients to the hope of lifesaving treatment. And, all of our services are free!

If you would like to participate, the cost for an individual golfer is $190 and a foursome is $750. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Please visit our website @ www.AngelFlightSoars.org for additional information or to register online.

Your participation will make a difference in the lives of the families that are touched by our service and all proceeds support Angel Flight. Be sure and reserve your round today…You’ll never play a more rewarding game of golf!
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Game 3 and Game 4 of Hawks-Heat Series in HD on Sportsouth and Fox Sports South

Hawks Visit Heat in Game 3 on Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. ET on SportSouth
Game 4 on FOX Sports South on Monday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET

FOX Sports South and SportSouth announced today that the networks will televise Game 3 and Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoff series between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat in high definition (HD). HD coverage of Game 3 from Miami tips off Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. ET on SportSouth. FOX Sports South will televise Game 4 in HD on Monday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET.

Hawks LIVE post-game coverage with play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun, analyst Dominique Wilkins and reporter James Verrett will follow both game telecasts.

FOX Sports South’s HD telecasts of Game 3 and Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoff series between the Hawks and the Heat will be made available to HD subscribers of participating cable and satellite service providers in the Hawks’ television territory (states of AL and GA; state of MS except the Memphis and New Orleans DMAs; counties of Abbeville, Anderson & Oconee in Greenville-Spartanburg DMA and Charleston, Augusta and Savannah DMAs of South Carolina; state of Tennessee except the Memphis and Jackson DMAs). Please see the attached for participating cable and satellite providers and channel locations. Please note that HD channel locations may change without notice.

The regional sports networks serving the Southeast – FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas and FOX Sports Tennessee – collectively reach more than 12.6 million cable and satellite television households in seven states in the Southeast and are the television home of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Bobcats, Memphis Grizzlies and the Nashville Predators, as well as the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. SportSouth reaches more than 9.4 million homes in six Southeastern states and is the television home of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Thrashers and Southern Conference. SportSouth also offers expanded coverage of the University of Georgia, University of South Carolina and University of Tennessee. Combined, the four networks produce more than 800 live local events each year, including 180 in high definition.

Boost Mobile Freestyle Motocross Team Rides into Talladega SuperSpeedway April 25 - 26

Note: This is happening in Alabama, but we figure if you love the sport distance doesn't matter (besides, it's not that far...)

Freestyle motocross – the fastest growing spectator sport in the world – will be a part of this year’s NASCAR festivities on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26 at Talladega SuperSpeedway. The Boost Mobile FMX Tour will feature FreestyleMX.com top riders performing gravity-defying stunts such as the “Superman,” “No-Footed Nac-Nacs” and “Kiss of Death.”

The FreestyleMX.com 2009 riders include:
· Beau Bamburg, X-Game gold medalist and 16-time winner of International Freestyle Motocross Association (IFMA)
· Jim McNeil, four-time winner of IFMA
· Jeff “Ox” Kargola, champion of the 2004 WFA Big Air Points and silver medalist of the 2005 Winter X-Games Best Trick
· Nixey Danielsen, Metal Mulisha and X-Games rider

Saturday, April 25, 2009 Show times: 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Race time: 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2009
Show times: 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Race time: 1:00 p.m.

Talledega SuperSpeedway
3366 Speedway Blvd.
Talladega, AL

Tickets for the April 25-26 running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup are available by calling the Raceway ticket office at 877-Go2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com for $40 – $50.
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Atlanta Braves Invite Fans to Celebrate Their Birthday with Them - For Free

The Atlanta Braves announce a new promotion that lets their fans celebrate their birthday with the team for free.

Fans can go to www.braves.com/birthday to register for a free ticket to a game of their choice (does not include the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox series).

Birthdays in April or October are eligible to choose a game in April, May or October; birthdays in May or November are eligible to choose a game in May; birthdays in June and December can pick a game in June; birthdays in July or January can select a game in July; birthdays in August and February are eligible to choose a game in August and birthdays in September or March can choose a game in September.

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Atlanta Braves "Bark in the Park" is Sunday, May 3

The Atlanta Braves are inviting fans to bring their "best friends" to the ballgame on Sunday, May 3, for "Bark in the Park." Fans must pre-register at www.braves.com/bark by April 30th. Tickets are $25 and include one "human ticket," one "dog ticket" and a donation to benefit non-profit organizations that help animals in need. Additional "human tickets" are available for $12. Tickets will not be available on the day of the event, and fans should register soon, as space is limited.

WAG-A-LOT, Atlanta's first doggie-day-care center, will be on hand to help ensure all animals enjoy their time at Turner Field. Braves Coca-Cola Sky Field will be transformed into a doggie-paradise, complete with on-site veterinary services, doggie pools, cool water misters, and plenty of watering holes for the pets to stay hydrated.

More than 5,200 Braves fans and 2,400 dogs have attended "Bark in the Park" days at Turner Field since the first Bark event in 2006. Due to its enormous popularity, the Braves have scheduled two "Bark in the Park" dates in 2009, with the second date set for Sunday, September 6.

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Top Professional Cyclists Return to Georgia for Historic Roswell Criterium

11 Races in One Day Include Children’s Event and Two Junior Races

The 8th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 26, 2009 with a full day of bicycle racing that includes many of the nation's top professional cyclists. With the cancellation of the Tour de Georgia this year, the Historic Roswell Criterium remains the only national, spring-time bicycle race in metro Atlanta, and the best bet for race fans to watch these elite professionals in action.

Since the first event in 2001, the Historic Roswell Criterium has grown to hosting over 450 elite racers, 350 Mayor's Ride participants and 5,000 spectators. The event attracts some of the best cycling talent from across the Southeast and abroad. In 2003 American Jonas Carney won the men's Pro 1/2 category event (the top race for professional men), and no American has won the event since. Professional riders from Australia, New Zealand and Canada have dominated the podium in the eight-year history of the criterium, including Tour de Georgia stage winner Gord Fraser (CAN), who won twice for Health Net presented by Maxxis.

This year watch the front of the Peloton to include riders from national teams like OUCH, Fly V Australia, Team Type I, Team Hotel San Jose, and Kelly Benefit. Team OUCH features John Murphy, who lives in Athens, Ga., and finished 5th overall last year in the National Racing Calendar (NRC) points competition. His teammate, Karl Menzies of Australia, looks strong this year with a second-place finish this month in Tour of the Battenkill (N.Y.). The new Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation team is bringing Bernie Sulzberger, the reigning Australian Crit Champion, and Jonathan Cantwell (formerly with Jittery Joe's), a sprinter who won a stage at Redlands Bicycle Classic in March. Team Type 1 will bring a large team to Roswell, led by racers/team founders Joe Eldridge and Phil Southerland, both who live in Atlanta, Ga.

On the women's side, Georgia's own Tina Mayolo-Pic has mastered the field of the Women's Pro race by winning five out of seven years. Pic, who resides in Buford, Ga., is a five-time U.S. National Criterium champion and won the NRC women's title for a fifth time in 2008. Pic is expected to return this Sunday to defend her 2008 title, racing for Colavita/Sutter Home Pro Cycling. One of her top competitors will be two-time NRC winner and 2006 Historic Roswell champion Laura van Gilder, racing this week for Mellow Mushroom.

All races for the Historic Roswell Criterium will take place on the one-mile route that features a start/finish on Canton Street at Founder's Hall. This year's event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week for professional cyclists from across North America, and the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix (a 12-race series). Speed Week, which offers $120,000 in prize money, is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is promoted by Swagger LLC, which also produces the Athens Twilight Criterium. Over $15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in Roswell alone. Races in Roswell will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a Juniors event, and finish at 6:00 p.m. with the featured Men's Pro 1/2 event, which should finish close to 7:30 p.m.

The registration fees for junior, elite and professional races range from $35 to $50, and are for experienced cyclists only. The Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo, managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell, is free for children six to 12. Children who complete the Rodeo are invited to participate in the Shimano Youth Series races, held following the Women's Pro event on the pro race course. There are also recreational bicycle activities at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, with ride options of six to 64 miles with the Mayor's Ride. The Family Ride at 8:00 a.m. from East Roswell Park is free.

Visit www.roswellkiwanis.org/BikeRodeo2008.html for more information on the Rodeo.
Visit wwww.bikeroswell.com for more information on Mayor's Ride.
Visit www.roswellcriterium.comfor more information on Pro Races.

Student Groups to Host “Battle on the Mountain” Bull Riding

Berry will host the first “Battle on the Mountain Berry Bull Riding” event Friday, April 24, at the Gunby Equine Center on the Mountain Campus. Gates open at 6 p.m.; the rodeo gets under way at 8. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for non-Berry College students and free for children 5 and under.

The bull-riding event will consist of two action-packed rounds of competition featuring professional riders, including one representative of the World’s Toughest Cowboy Tour. Scores from the two rounds will be added together to determine the overall winner.

In addition to bull riding, many other activities also are planned. These include an opportunity to test your mettle on the mechanical Buck n’ Bull (a fundraiser for Berry’s Block and Bridle student organization) and pony rides for children. Concessions will be available on site, and souvenir t-shirts will be sold.

Sponsors include the Krannert Center Activities Board and Block and Bridle. Also helping to coordinate this event are Kevin Ellis, a professional bull rider and manager of the Gunby Equine Center, and Charlie Lowry, owner of 4LRodeo, the contractor for this event.

For more information concerning tickets or sponsorships, please contact the Krannert Center Activities Board at 706-236-2293, ext. 2429, or kcab@berry.edu.

Prepared by student writer Rachel Miller

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Atlanta Hawks Fan Appreciation Night Set for Tuesday, April 14

Kia Fan Favorite Award to be presented following the game

Recognizing the loyal and tremendous support they have received this season, Atlanta Hawks players, coaches and the organization will extend special “thanks and appreciation” this Tuesday (April 14) when Fan Appreciation Night activities are held at Philips Arena. Tipoff for the game against the Miami Heat is set for 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00).

Highlighting the evening’s activities is the presentation of the Kia Fan Favorite Award at the conclusion of the game. One winner has been chosen to participate in the ceremony recognizing the fans favorite Hawks player as determined through an online and in-store vote.

After the award presentation, Hawks players and coaches will again take an active role in the festivities and present lucky fans with their game worn jerseys or an autographed basketball. The winning fan presenting the Kia Fan Favorite Award will also be given his or her choice of which Hawks player’s jersey they will receive.

Everyone in attendance will also be treated to a highlight video featuring all the best plays from the 2008-09 season. Fox Sports South/SportSouth play-by-play man Bob Rathbun is serving as emcee for the post-game events. Visit www.hawks.com for more details.

Atlanta Hawks’ playoff tickets for the first three home games are on sale now at www.hawks.com/playoffs, calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX, or at the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster locations. In addition, tickets for the 2009-10 season tickets are on sale now at just $55 down per month and can be purchased by visiting the Hawks website or by calling 1-866-715-1500. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Colby Armstrong Honored as 2009 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Winner

Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong was honored as this season’s Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Winner, given annually to the team’s player who best embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his teammates might succeed.

The trophy was presented in a special on-ice ceremony prior to tonight’s regular-season finale by the Snyder family, which included his father, Graham, mother, LuAnn, brother, Jake, and sister, Erika. Named in honor of former Thrasher Dan Snyder, the trophy has been awarded each season since 2003-04. Previous winners include Eric Perrin (2008), Vyacheslav Kozlov (2007), Niclas Havelid (2006) and Garnet Exelby (2004).

Armstrong, who is in his first full season with the Thrashers since being acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade on Feb. 26, 2008, has appeared in all 82 games this season and has set a career-high in goals with 21, while adding 18 assists. The 26-year-old native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, has served as an alternate captain for the Thrashers this season.

Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the first round, 21st overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Armstrong has appeared in 281 NHL games with Pittsburgh and Atlanta, recording 148 points (62 goals, 86 assists).

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Thrashers Reassign Defenseman Clay Wilson to Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned defenseman Clay Wilson to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wilson, who was recalled on April 6, appeared in two games with Atlanta, recording four shots on goal and averaging 15:54 of ice time.

The 26-year-old has appeared in 68 AHL games this season with Syracuse and Chicago, recording 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists), and is tied for seventh among league defensemen in scoring. He shares second on the Wolves in assists, and ranks fourth in points and power play goals (seven). The 6-0, 195-pound defenseman has recorded 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) in 35 games with the Wolves since being acquired on Jan. 14. Wilson also registered one assist in five NHL games with Columbus earlier this season.

The Sturgeon Lake, Minn., native has appeared in 14 NHL games with Atlanta and Columbus, recording three points (one goal, two assists). He has played 278 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Portland, Syracuse and Chicago, recording 171 points (46 goals, 125 assists) and a plus-29 rating. He has also seen action in 29 AHL Calder Cup Playoff games, earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in those contests.

Prior to his professional career, Wilson appeared in 148 games with Michigan Tech from 2001 to 2005, posting 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists).

Wilson was acquired with a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from Columbus in exchange for Jason Williams on Jan. 14, 2009.
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Opening Night at Turner Field is this Friday, April 10

• Braves Hall of Famer Pete Van Wieren will be honored before the game and will throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch
• Platinum selling recording star Jason Aldean will perform the National Anthem
• Pilots from Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma will perform a flyover

The Atlanta Braves organization and fans will have a chance to show their appreciation to Braves Hall of Famer Pete Van Wieren, recently retired from a storied 33-year career as a Braves broadcaster, on Opening Night at Turner Field, Friday, April 10th. An on field presentation before the game will pay tribute to the legend in the broadcast booth and take a retrospective look at his distinguished career. Before the first home game of the season gets under way, Van Wieren will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Pregame ceremonies will also include full squad introductions of both teams, and a National Anthem performance by platinum selling recording star Jason Aldean. At the close of the anthem, pilots from Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma will perform a flyover.

After the game, and after every Friday night home game, fans will enjoy a spectacular Publix Friday Night Fireworks show. Also, the first 45,000 fans on Friday and Saturday night will receive a Braves 2009 magnetic schedule courtesy of Georgia Power.

Atlanta Braves 2009 individual tickets, starting as low as $6, are available now at Braves.com/tickets, the Braves box office at Turner Field, and all TicketMaster outlets.

Friday, April 10, 2009
5:00 p.m. -- Turner Field Gates Open
7:00 p.m. -- Pregame ceremonies
7:35 p.m. - Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves

Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30315

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Thrashers Recall Defenseman Clay Wilson from Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled defenseman Clay Wilson from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wilson, 26, has appeared in 68 AHL games this season with Syracuse and Chicago, recording 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists), and is tied for seventh among league defensemen in scoring. He shares second on the Wolves in assists, and ranks fourth in points and power play goals (seven). The 6-0, 195-pound defenseman has recorded 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) in 35 games with the Wolves since being acquired on Jan. 14. Wilson has also registered one assist in five NHL games with Columbus this season.

The Sturgeon Lake, Minn. native has appeared in 278 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Portland, Syracuse and Chicago, recording 171 points (46 goals, 125 assists) and a plus-29 rating. He has also seen action in 29 Calder Cup Playoff games, earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in those contests.

Prior to his professional career, Wilson appeared in 148 games with Michigan Tech from 2001 to 2005, posting 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists).

Wilson was acquired with a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from Columbus in exchange for Jason Williams on Jan. 14, 2009.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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16th Annual Hustle for Hope 5K Run-Walk May 2

16th Annual Hustle for Hope 5K Run-Walk will be held Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Lester Road Christian Church, 3900 Newton Road, Fairburn, GA 30213. A 100 meter Heroes of Hope race will be held for our friends with special needs. This will be a fun filled day for the entire family. All proceeds from the race benefit Southwest Christian Care, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality hospice care for terminally ill patients, children with special needs, seniors, and their families. For more information or to register visit our website at www.SWChristianCare.org or call 770-969-8354

Atlanta Braves to honor Greg Maddux

The Atlanta Braves will honor their former pitcher Greg Maddux on Friday, July 17 by inducting him into the Braves Hall of Fame and retiring his uniform number. The induction will take place at a special luncheon and the uniform number retirement will occur in a pre-game ceremony that night before the Braves take on the New York Mets.

"Greg is such a large and important part of this organization and his contributions to this team are immeasurable," said Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz. "We feel this is a great way to honor him and to thank him for his years here in Atlanta."

Maddux's number 31 will be the sixth Braves uniform number to be retired, joining Hank Aaron (44), Eddie Mathews (41), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35) and Warren Spahn (21). The Braves also retired the number 42 along with all teams in Major League Baseball to honor Jackie Robinson.

The recently retired Maddux spent 11 seasons with the Braves beginning in 1993, and was a member of the 1995 World Championship team. He was named the National League Cy Young Award winner four times, winning in four straight years from 1992-1995 - the first pitcher to win the award in four consecutive seasons.

With 355 career wins, Maddux ranks eighth on Major League Baseball's all-time wins list. He collected his 18th Gold Glove Award in 2008 - a Major League record.

He will join Hank Aaron, Bill Bartholomay, Lew Burdette, Skip Caray, Del Crandall, Ralph Garr, Tommy Holmes, Ernie Johnson, David Justice, Herman Long, Bill Lucas, Eddie Mathews, Dale Murphy, Kid Nichols, Phil Niekro, John Sain, Paul Snyder, Warren Spahn, Ted Turner, and Pete Van Wieren in the Braves Hall of Fame.

Tickets are available for the July 17 game at Braves.com/tickets, the Braves ticket office at Turner Field, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or at all Ticketmaster outlets.

For information about tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon call 404-614-2310.

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Thrashers Recall Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec from Chicago (AHL); Reassign Goaltender Dan Turple

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled goaltender Ondrej Pavelec from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. In addition, goaltender Dan Turple has been reassigned to Chicago.

Pavelec, 21, has appeared in 11 games over two stints with the Thrashers this season, posting a 3-6-0 record with a 3.55 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage. The 6-2, 200-pound goaltender made a career-best 43 saves on a career-high 46 shots on Nov. 30 vs. St. Louis.

The Kladno, Czech Republic native has also posted an 18-20-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.58 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 40 AHL games with the Wolves. Pavelec was honored as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 22 after earning a 3-1-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage during that time.

Pavelec was selected by the Thrashers in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Turple, who was recalled by Atlanta on March 27, has appeared in 13 games this season with the Wolves, posting a 5-8-0 record, with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. Turple made his Wolves debut on Nov. 1 and stopped 20-of-21 shots for his first-career AHL victory. He won his first four starts with Chicago from Nov. 1 to Nov. 19, earning a 1.97 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage during that span.

The 6-6, 230-pound goaltender has also appeared in 10 ECHL games this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators and Utah Grizzlies, registering a 2-4-3 record, a 3.79 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage in those games.

Turple. 24, was selected by the Thrashers in the sixth round, 186th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford Awarded Jason Collier Memorial Trophy

Award recognizes dedication to community service

Prior to this evening’s Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic game at Philips Arena, the Hawks’ Al Horford was awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy by the organization for his dedication to community service.

The Jason Collier Memorial Trophy, named after the late Hawks center who passed away October 15, 2005, is presented annually to the individual who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off the court as a community ambassador.

An active participant in community and charitable initiatives, including STAR House and La Amistad, Horford purchases tickets for each Hawks game for underprivileged families through his Al’s Amigos program. In December, he hosted 25 children from the Stepping Ahead Program for a holiday party at Dave & Busters, treating everyone to dinner, arcade games and presents. Additionally, he purchased clothes, toys and food for five families from Traveler’s Aid of Metro Atlanta during the holidays through the Hawks’ Adopt-A-Family program.

Also a supporter of the Read to Achieve initiative (presented by Philips and Sprite), Horford recently paid a visit Northcutt Elementary School in College Park as part of the “What Keeps You Moving” Essay Contest. Deantae Birdsong, a fifth grade student at the school, won the contest and the special visit from Horford with his essay about physical fitness.

This is the fourth year the Hawks have awarded the trophy, as Horford joins past recipients Marvin Williams (2007-08) and two-time award winner Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07) in receiving this honor.
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Clayton State Track Club Peachtree Road Race Training Program Starts April 7

Starting on Tuesday, Apr. 7, and continuing for 13 Tuesdays through the end of June, the Clayton State Track Club (CSTC) and Clayton State University Head Track and Cross Coach Mike Mead will be holding a special training program for the Peachtree Road Race.

At a cost of just $25 per person, the CSTC/Peachtree Training Program will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday night, starting on Apr. 7 and running through June 30. Runners of all skill and interest levels are invited to take part, even if they’re not entered in the July 4 event.

Although the training program does not include an entry into the Peachtree Road Race, it does include a Clayton State Track Club t-shirt, one year’s membership in the Clayton State Track Club, and coaching from one of the state’s top collegiate coaches. The holder of nine “Coach of the Year” awards, and a member of the Atlanta Track Club’s masters team (his 10K PR is 30:54), Mead has led Clayton State’s men’s and women’s track and cross country programs to national prominence in the past 14 years, coaching three All-Americans in cross country and an even dozen in track and field.

Assisting Mead in coaching the CSTC/Peachtree Training Program will be Clayton State Assistant Cross County and Track Coach Hugh Toro, who has 17 years of coaching at the secondary school level, plus 11 years at Clayton State, and who has earned the title of “Mr. Peachtree” by running in every Peachtree Road Race since 1973.

The CSTC/Peachtree Training Program will meet at Clayton State’s new Student Activity Center. Individuals can sign up on the first evening. Checks should be made payable to: Clayton State Track Club. For more information, call Mead at (678) 466-4697 or email at mikemead@clayton.edu.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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36 Countries Signed to Compete This Coming September at World Dart Championships in Charlotte, N.C.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The best professional dart players in the world from over 36 nations will gather for four days (September 23rd through 26th) to determine who are the best in the world. This will be the largest international contingent of the best dart players in the universe to compete in the United States.

Sending competitors for the Men's, Woman's and Youth Divisions will be Australia, Brazil, England, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Rep. of Ireland, South Africa, Sweden, The United States and Wales.

Rounding out the 36 countries by sending competitors for the Men's and Women's divisions are Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Denmark, Iceland, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland, Spain, St. Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad/Tobago, Turkey, Turks & Caicos.

With national and international television coverage expected, the viewership will be a major boost for this sport with United States annual participation of 12.1 million recreational players annually.

Under the auspices of the World Darts Federation (WDF), and hosted by the American Darts Organization (ADO), this event will have between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators on-site over the four day period. With 64 dartboards in action in the Grand Ballroom of the Blake Hotel in downtown Charlotte, NC, from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.

The U.S. Men's Team includes Steve Brown, St. Louis, Jim Widmayer, New York, Brian Blake and Ryan Barnett, both from North Carolina with all having high hopes of winning and/or placing very high in the world standings. Their play over the past two years has made all four of them strong contenders. Marilyn Popp, Delaware, and Stacy Bromberg, Las Vegas, are veterans of the U.S. Woman's Team (each with individual national and international titles) that will be strong challengers for the Woman's Title.

Buddy Bartoletta, President of the hosting ADO, commented, "I’m proud of the international support and of our membership that is putting this world class event in the position of being the benchmark for future events of this caliber. We will do our best to make their competition one that will be remembered for years to come."

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Eighth Consecutive Year Historic Roswell to Host National Bicycle Races

Popular Mayor's Ride Returns for Families at Georgia Event

The 8th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 26, 2009 with a full schedule of events for professional cyclists and area residents. This year the event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week racing series for elite athletes. Since 2001, the Historic Roswell Criterium has established itself firmly as one of the top single-day races in the United States, with 10 categorized contests for amateur and professional athletes. For local families and residents, the event has grown to a full-day festival, including a morning recreational adult bike ride with Mayor Jere Wood, an afternoon bicycle safety rodeo for children, and retail specials at local shops throughout the day.

"We are proud that the Historic Roswell Criterium continues to be a solid community event on the calendar in the metro area. The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators to this beautiful area each spring. It not only promotes healthy lifestyles, but it helps drive economic impact for Historic Roswell, bringing people back to eat and shop at local businesses throughout the year," said Michael Johnson, race director and member of Roswell Velo, Inc., the cycling club that handles logistics of the races.

Sunday, April 26, will begin with a recreational bicycle ride for all levels of cyclists, the Roswell Mayor's Ride. There are four ride options, ranging from six miles to 64 miles, with the start of the ride receiving an escort from Roswell Police. Rest stops are provided along the route, with commemorative t-shirts to all who register prior to April 20 Last year close to 350 people participated in the event, and raised awareness for Bike Roswell!, the grassroots organization that helped the city gain national recognition as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Advanced registration is $20 per individual, or $45 for a family of four. More information can be found at www.bikeroswell.com.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., a series of 10 bicycle races will take place on the one-mile route in Historic Roswell. The 2009 event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week for professional cyclists from across North America, and the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix (a 12-race series). Speed Week, which offers $120,000 in prize money, is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is promoted by Swagger LLC, which also produces the Athens Twilight Criterium. Over $15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in Roswell alone. The start line will again be in front of Founder's Hall on Canton Street and races will run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

While there are registration fees to participate in the races (from $35 to $50), it will be complimentary for children to participate in the Bicycle Rodeo and for spectators to watch the races. The Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo will be managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell and is supported by Roswell Bicycles. Children can also participate in the Shimano Youth Series races. The youth races are complimentary to any children who complete the Rodeo and are held following the Women's Pro event, on the same race course. While not the fastest races of the day, the youth races are some of the most entertaining.

Registration and event information is available at http://www.roswellcriterium.com/. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for the Historic Roswell Criterium. For information on sponsorship packages contact Michael Johnson at mwjhome@gmail.com.
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Vyacheslav Kozlov Nominated for NHL’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Atlanta Thrashers forward Vyacheslav Kozlov has been selected by the Atlanta chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association (PHWA) as the team’s nominee for the National Hockey League’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. This is the first time Kozlov has been nominated for the award.

Kozlov has registered 70 points (24 goals, 46 assists) through 76 games this season and is currently tied for second on the team in points and assists. The 36-year-old forward posted a season-high eight-game point streak from March 8 to March 21, earning 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in that span.

The native of Voskresensk, Russia recorded 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 82 games in 2007-08 despite playing through shoulder and knee injuries which forced him to undergo two off-season surgeries to repair the damage. Kozlov has re-emerged this season as an offensive catalyst for the Thrashers and has already eclipsed last year’s point total by 29. Kozlov has proven to be a vital part of the league’s 10th best power play unit, currently ranking second in the NHL in power play points (42) and assists (30), as well as scoring a career-high 12 power play goals.

“It’s an honor to be nominated for this year’s Bill Masterton Award,” said Kozlov. “Injuries are no excuse but it was important for me to come back strong this year and contribute to helping the team.”

Kozlov has played in 1,121 career NHL games with the Thrashers, Sabres and Red Wings, posting 821 points (346 goals, 475 assists) while capturing back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1997 and 1998 with Detroit.

Kozlov was originally drafted by Detroit in the third round, 45th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Thrashers from Buffalo with a second-round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft for a second-round selection and a third-round selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft on June 22, 2002.

The most recent winner of the Masterton Trophy was Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2007-08 season. The winner of the NHL’s Masterton Trophy is selected by a poll among the 30 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. The trophy was first presented by the NHL writers in 1968 to commemorate the late Bill Masterton. Masterton, who died on Jan. 15, 1968, was a player with the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited to a high degree the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Shorter football announces 2009 schedule

The Shorter College Hawks football team has released their schedule for the 2009 season, playing six games at Barron Stadium in Rome, with five games away.

Shorter will travel first to NCAA Div. II Lenoir-Rhyne University on Sat., Aug. 29, in Hickory, N.C., for a 7 p.m. kick-off. This is the third time the Hawks have faced a Div. II opponent, having last faced North Greenville University last season in a 37-21 win, and previously Stillman College in 2007 in a close 24-27 loss. The Bears were 3-8 last season with wins over Concord University, West Virginia Tech, and Brevard College.

Following a two-week break, Shorter will continue play against another NCAA team in the first home game of the season at Barron Stadium. They will repeat the annual Battle for the Governor's Cup as they take on the Div. III LaGrange College Panthers on Sept. 12 tentatively scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Panthers are the defending St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions after producing a 9-1 regular season record (the only loss coming in their 28-23 game against Shorter) that earned the team a bid to the NCAA Division III Football national playoffs.

The Hawks' first Mid-South Conference match-up follows as Pikeville College comes to Rome for Shorter's second home game, which kicks off at Barron Stadium at 1:30 p.m. Last season, the Hawks held Pikeville to a scoreless second half, winning 52-17 in Pikeville, Ky.

On Sept. 26, Shorter will face the Faulkner University Eagles in Montgomery, Ala., in their first conference divisional game of the season. The Hawks opened their home football season in style last year against Faulkner, breaking then-three team records and one individual record, in a 42-0 victory.

Shorter returns home the following week for a non-divisional conference game against Campbellsville University on Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m. The Hawks had 370 yards rushing yards against the Bulldogs last season, highlighted by a 98-yard run from A.J. Cooley, winning 24-14.

One of the toughest tests for the Hawks comes on Oct. 10 on the road against Lambuth University - a competition the Hawks lost last year on a last-second touchdown from the Eagles, 42-38. On Oct. 17, Shorter will face the newest member of the Mid-South Conference, Kentucky Christian University, at 1:30 p.m. for their fourth home game at Barron Stadium.

The Hawks will face Union College (Ky.) in Barboursville, Ky., on Oct. 24, in what is sure to be a tough rematch following last season's close 33-27 win over the nationally-ranked Bulldogs.

Three divisional conference games mark the end of the regular season. Shorter will face Cumberland (Tenn.) on Oct. 31 at Barron Stadium, before traveling to Belhaven on Nov. 7. Last season, Shorter won both games, beating Cumberland 27-24, and shutting out Belhaven in the final home game at Barron Stadium, 35-0.

The Hawks will conclude the regular season at home on Nov. 14 against Bethel College. Last year's contest between the two proved to be the deciding match-up for the Mid-South Conference Western Division Championship - as the Hawks won 7-0.

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