Residents of Atlanta Braved the Heat and Took to the Streets of 'Hot'Lanta for Red Bull Soapbox Race

/PRNewswire/ -- Red Bull Soapbox Race Atlanta featured some of the most outrageous racing around as 39 teams cruised and tumbled down 10th Street near Piedmont Park. An estimated crowd of 48,500 fans lined the streets and sidewalks, resembling a typical Atlanta rush hour traffic jam. The course presented obstacles with a few twists and turns and a daring jump that sent several crafts crumbling to their demise. This isn't your average derby. Red Bull Soapbox Race is judged on three criteria: creativity, showmanship and speed. After the final tally, it was "Beer Connoisseur" who claimed the top spot. "This was completely unexpected," said Christopher Miller. "I thought we had a chance, but had no idea that we'd pull it off. We made some lifetime memories today that will never go away."

While some contestants took a road trip of several hundred miles, it was an Atlanta sweep on the podium. "Equus Vires Maximus" rode their chariot into second place and frat boys, "The Tekes," finished in third.

RATE MY RIDE

The panel of judges, scoring creativity and showmanship, included professional skateboarder and "Life of Ryan" reality TV star Ryan Sheckler, fashion designer Mychael Knight and junior pro surfer Evan Geiselman. However, the judges weren't the only ones who had a say in this competition. Team "Respect My Authority" from Tampa, FL captured the hearts of the fans to win the "People's Choice Award" with their supersized big wheel. "We came to Atlanta to win the People's Choice Award. This is what we came for and we accomplished our goal," said Aaron Price.

CRASH TEST DUMMIES

Even though this was a race, not all of the crafts made it to the finish line. Some vehicles met their end after facing the perilous jump but took the fall in stride and entertained the crowd by finishing the race on foot. Nobody did it with more style than "Team Fur Bus" which captivated the crowd with their spectacular crash and sprint for the finish as they pushed their fur covered craft over the jump and passed the finish line. Additionally, The Candy Man Can was ultra-safety-oriented, remembering to utilize their fire extinguisher upon crashing into the hay bales to add to their overall performance.

The global event dates back to 2000 when it first took place in Belgium and Atlanta became the seventh pit stop in the US. After its debut in the Southeast, Red Bull Soapbox Race will hit the West Coast on September 26, 2009 in downtown Los Angeles.

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"Countdown to Touchdown" with the Panthers

Georgia State students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans are invited to join the Panther football program to begin the official “Countdown to Touchdown” on Wednesday, Sept. 2 – exactly one year before Georgia State’s inaugural football game.

The Countdown to Touchdown pep rally and press conference will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia State Student Center Ballroom.

Georgia State President Mark Becker, Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and head football coach Bill Curry will be on hand, and the entire Georgia State football team will be introduced for the first time. The team is currently practicing in preparation for their 2010 kickoff.

The event will also feature a preview of Georgia State’s new athletics logos as well as other exciting announcements related to the Panthers’ first football season.

Free t-shirts will be available for anyone who signs up to receive information about Georgia State football tickets.

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UGA to break ground on football training facility expansion

The University of Georgia will break ground on a cutting-edge renovation and expansion of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, the everyday home of the University’s Athletic Association and football team, at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11.

“Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall has been a benchmark of excellence,” said Damon Evans, director of athletics at UGA. “Our goal with this expansion that is under way is to build upon that foundation and create the very best football training facility in America. Our university, our fans, and our team deserve nothing less.”

The $39.5 million project will update the 85,000-square-foot complex located at 1 Selig Circle with a synthetic turf-floored multi-purpose room, a student-athlete lounge and a sand-based practice field that uses sustainable design practices.

Completion is expected by May 2011.

Overall, 53,000 square feet will be added to the facility. All new offices will be outfitted with modern technology like a digital video editing suite.

In addition, the expansion will enable Butts-Mehre to house four new Hydroworx therapy pools, an ortho-radiographic digital X-ray system, and two new physical exam rooms.

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Chick-fil-A Kicks Off 2009 College Football Season with FREE Chicken Sandwich Giveaway, Interactive Website for Fans

/PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the second-annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff football game, Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide will offer a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich to any customer wearing any sports-related apparel on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, pitting the University of Alabama against Virginia Tech, will be held at 8 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and will be televised nationally on ABC. The following Monday, Sept. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., customers are encouraged to visit any participating Chick-fil-A restaurant wearing their favorite sports-related apparel to receive a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Appropriate attire includes any article of clothing with a sports team logo - from a little league uniform to a favorite professional or collegiate jersey, hat, t-shirt, socks or other accessory.

"Last year's inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game was a huge success, and we are thrilled to see the excitement building for this year's event," said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's senior vice president of marketing. "This promotion has proved to be a great way to celebrate the beginning of college football season, and what better way to celebrate than giving away the Original Chick-fil-A Sandwich?"

In addition to leveraging the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game broadcast on ABC, Chick-fil-A has developed an online campaign to further promote the sandwich giveaway. On Aug. 24, the chain will launch www.ChickenWave.com where fans can create a virtual version of a stadium fan "wave" for a chance to win various Chick-fil-A prizes. The site incorporates photos of fans' faces and allows users to invite friends to join their "section." The first 250,000 people to join the Wave will receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, and the next 750,000 fans who join will receive a coupon for a free Coke Zero. From Aug. 24 - Oct. 31, the chain will conduct a daily drawing among all Chicken Wave users for a $50 Chick-fil-A Gift Card. In addition, Chick-fil-A will reward the largest Wave section with a free 2010 Chick-fil-A Cow Calendar (which includes monthly coupons redeemable for free Chick-fil-A food).

Last year, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between then No. 9 Clemson and No. 24 Alabama delivered a sold-out Georgia Dome and a prime-time broadcast on ABC, drew the attention of the national media, earned an appearance by ESPN's College GameDay built by the Home Depot and helped springboard Alabama to an eventual No. 1 ranking. The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game also provided each university an academic scholarship of $50,000 Chick-fil-A has also been the title sponsor of the Chick-fil-A Bowl (formerly the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl) since 1997 and has helped grow the event to become one of the most competitive and highly viewed games during the collegiate bowl season.

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Governor Perdue Places Friendly Wager With President George W. Bush on Little League Softball Game

Proceeds will help league offset travel costs for teams’ families

Governor Sonny Perdue and former President George W. Bush today announced a friendly wager on the outcome of tonight’s Little League Softball World Series Championship game. The Warner Robins American Little League (WRALL) softball team faces Crawford Little League at 7 p.m. Eastern Time tonight. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

“These two talented, undefeated teams should put on a great show for fans in both of our states and across the country,” Governor Perdue said. “It’s exciting to have my hometown represented on the world stage like this, and I know President Bush is proud of the girls from Crawford as well.”

"Sonny is a good friend, and I am proud to join him in supporting these two teams and their families,” said President Bush. “Laura and I will follow the championship with great interest, and we will be rooting for a good game and a Crawford victory."

President Bush and Governor Perdue spoke by phone today and agreed to help raise funds to offset the travel costs for the players’ families in Crawford and Warner Robins. They committed to donate $500 each, a total of $1,000, with 60 percent of the total going to the winner’s league and 40 percent to the runner-up’s league. Also, President Bush agreed to co-sign 12 softballs with Governor Perdue for WRALL to auction and raise additional funds.

The WRALL softball team has emerged unscathed through both regional and World Series play with a combined record of 10-0 during the two tournaments.

It has been 50 years since Governor Perdue suited up for the Warner Robins American Little League team. In recent years, the league has become known as a Little League powerhouse. In 2007, the WRALL baseball team won the Little League World Series and successfully defended their Georgia championship last year before falling in the regional tournament. The 2009 squad won the state title for the third year in a row, and on Friday night beat Virginia to secure a place in this year’s World Series.

Little League records indicate that no league has produced baseball and softball champions in the same year. Governor Perdue encouraged Georgians to support both the baseball and softball teams by giving to WRALL. Donations can be sent to WRALL, P.O. Box 6562, Warner Robins, Georgia 31095. For more information on WRALL, visit wrall.org.
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Nine-Year Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament Sponsor Amdocs Doubles its Support

Hemophilia of Georgia welcomes Amdocs as a Silver Sponsor of the 27th Annual Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament. The tournament, which raises funds for bleeding disorders research, will be held October 27, 2009 at Château Élan Resort and Winery in Braselton, Georgia.

Amdocs, the leading provider of customer experience systems, has been a corporate sponsor of the Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament since 2001. This year, the company doubled its contribution and increased from Pewter level to Silver level. Amdocs and the other corporate sponsors play a critical role in raising money to fund a cure for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. According to Yaron Ravkaie, Division President of Amdocs, “Supporting and giving back to the community where we work is a reflection of Amdocs’ values. It gives us great pleasure to continually support Hemophilia of Georgia in its important mission to find a cure for hemophilia.”

Thanks to outstanding support from a broad range of Atlanta businesses and national companies, the tournament has raised more than $12 million since its inception in 1982. One of the premier charity golfing events in the Southeast, the Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament supports critical research directed toward finding a cure for hemophilia, a hereditary blood clotting disorder that requires very expensive, life-long medical treatment. More than 300 corporate executives, local and sports celebrities, and invited guests are expected to participate in the tournament which also features an awards banquet, live auction, and raffle.

Corporate sponsorship packages are still available. Companies interested in participating in the tournament should contact Vic McCarty, Director of Development, (770) 518-8272 or vamccarty@hog.org for information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.

About Hemophilia of Georgia
Hemophilia of Georgia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and support for Georgians who have hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders. The only agency of its kind in the state, Hemophilia of Georgia works to enhance clients’ care and quality of life while actively pursuing a cure through research funding. HoG’s nonprofit pharmacy provides convenient home delivery of clotting factor and other medications at competitive prices. The agency’s mission states that
Hemophilia of Georgia exists so that people in Georgia affected by bleeding disorders live as normally and productively as possible. Additional information is available online at www.hog.org.

About Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a hereditary genetic disorder in which a person’s blood is not able to clot normally. In normal blood, proteins called clotting factors work together to form a clot whenever bleeding occurs. The person with hemophilia lacks or doesn’t have enough of a certain clotting factor so the blood can’t make a clot. Hemophilia is a very rare disorder, affecting about 17,000 people in the United States. People with hemophilia stop bleeding by taking an injection of the clotting factor that is missing from their blood. However, the clotting factor used to treat hemophilia is very expensive. Some patients reach their lifetime insurance maximum at very young ages.

About Amdocs
Amdocs is the market leader in customer experience systems innovation, enabling world-leading service providers to deliver an integrated, innovative and intentional customer experienceTM at every point of service. Amdocs provides solutions that deliver customer experience excellence, combining the software, services and expertise to help its customers execute their strategies and achieve service, operational and financial excellence. A global company with revenue of $3.16 billion in fiscal 2008, Amdocs has approximately 17,000 employees and serves customers in more than 50 countries around the world. For more information, visit Amdocs at www.amdocs.com.
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2009 Aflac All-American Classic Ends in Dramatic Fashion Tied 4-4

/PRNewswire/ -- A triple down the right field line by Rancho Buena Vista (Calif.) High School shortstop Tony Wolters sent the seventh annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic into extra innings for the first time since the game's inception in 2003. A unique extra innings format saw both teams score a run in the tenth inning and the game ended in a 4-all tie Sunday night at Petco Park before a record crowd of 8,027. The overall East vs. West series record for the Aflac All-American Classic, which features 40 of the nation's premiere high school baseball players, now stands at 3-3-1.

Wolters' stellar play in the field and at the plate earned him the Aflac All-American MVP title. He finished the game going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a steal. In the field, he flashed leather all night to back up his selection as the 2009 Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year.

"There are so many talented players on both squads," said Wolters. "I think all these guys (on both squads) should be receiving the MVP award. It is a huge honor and I feel very grateful to have had this experience."

The West squad wasted no time getting on the board as they took a 2-0 after both runners scored on a wild pitch and an error on the same play. Right-hander Jameson Taillon of The Woodlands (Texas) High School shut down the East squad with two scoreless innings -- including four strikeouts.

A single to left by Jacoby Jones of Richton (Miss.) High School drove in Trey Griffin of Martin Luther King Jr. High School (Stockbridge, Ga.) to tie the game 2-2 in the eighth inning. The East's Michael Arencibia of Key West (Fla.) High School scoring the go-ahead run off a wild pitch to give it the first lead of the game, 3-2.

Matt Lipka of McKinney High School (Frisco, Texas) walked in the bottom of the ninth off of Yordy Cabrera of Lakeland (Fla.) High School, to set the stage for Wolters' late inning heroics.

Due to pre-determined game rules, the game ended after 10 innings played. The bases were loaded with one out with each team having the opportunity to score. Both teams were able to put a run on the board to finish this year's Aflac Classic in a tie.

"These kids have the hearts of champions," said Steve Vickery, West team head coach from Lakeside (Calif.) High School. "It was great to see the kids step up and put it all on the line in the last inning. Their intensity and drive showed the true passion these kids have for the game of baseball."

Prior to the game, in a matchup of the top sluggers from the East and West squads, Cabrera hit five tape measure shots in the final round to win this year's Home Run Derby title.

Players were honored at the Aflac All-American awards dinner Saturday evening at the San Diego Hall of Champions. The top honor of the night went to Bryce Harper, a 6-foot-3,195-pound catcher from Las Vegas (Nev.) High School, when he won the Aflac National High School Player of the Year and was presented with the 2009 Jackie Robinson Award.

On hand to make the presentation was Sonya Pankey, granddaughter of Jackie Robinson, and Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, the Aflac All-American Classic's honorary chairman.

Three other awards were given out at the ceremony. A.J. Cole, (Oviedo HS) of Winter Springs, Fla., was named Pitcher of the Year. For his outstanding abilities with his glove, Wolters won the inaugural Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year award. In a balloting of coaches, players and staff, Cameron Bedrosian (East Coweta HS) of Senoia, Ga., and Tyler Austin (Heritage HS) of Conyers, Ga., shared the Perfect Game Nick Adenhart Award. The award bears the name of Nick Adenhart, a 2003 Aflac All-American who was killed in an automobile accident hours after making his first start this season for the Los Angeles Angels.

During the banquet, Aflac, as part of its ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer, donated $100,000 to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Additionally, Aflac also made a $20,000 donation to Coaches Curing Kids Cancer. Since 2003, the Aflac All-American Classic has generated $805,000 for charity.

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Christian City “Will Golf Fore Kids” Tournament

October 19th
All proceeds help provide for the abandoned and abused children who live in the cottages at The Children’s Village

Eagles Landing Country Club
11am Start, 9:30am Registration

Join us for a great day of high level golfing, outstanding food and the fun you’ve come to expect at our classic. There will be trophies for winners, and a special “Tournament Within A Tournament” for churches and a “Corporate Challenge”.

Call Brenda at 770-703-2636 to register or access www.christiancity.org for more information

Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine Friday, August 15th at Atlanta Motor Speedway

The forecast is for a sunny, blue-sky afternoon on Friday, August 14. The evening will be perfect for a night of drag racing on the street-style strip at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’s double points night for the competitors. Friday night will be the perfect opportunity for drivers to jump a couple of spots or secure their seeding in the Championship Ladders in September.

The pit gates open at 6pm. The grandstands open at 6:30pm. Drag practice runs roll until 8:15pm when the Show-N-Shine Speedway Cruise takes center stage. The awards ceremony on the front stretch leads up to the very first drag race elimination round at 9:09pm.

Competitor Drag Race entry: $20
Show-N-Shine entry: $20
Spectator Admission: $7 (children six and under are admitted for free)
FREE PARKING in the outside parking areas.
Tailgating is allowed!!! Bring some family and friends for a fun night at the speedway!!!

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Atlanta Braves host "Octane in the Outfield" car show presented by AutoTrader Classics Sunday, August 23 at Turner Field

The Atlanta Braves and AutoTrader Classics are inviting classic car owners to the ballgame on Sunday, August 23 for the first annual "Octane in the Outfield," a fun-filled event for car enthusiasts throughout the region. A pre-game car show featuring participating fans' automobiles will take place between 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. with prizes and awards available in five categories decided upon by the car show registrants. Winners will be given an opportunity to showcase their automobiles in a drive around the field before the first pitch, and following the car show, participants will spend the afternoon inside the ballpark as the Braves take on the Florida Marlins at 1:35 p.m.

Interested fans must pre-purchase tickets at www.braves.com/autotraderclassics. The deadline to buy tickets is August 16, 2009 at midnight. For groups of 10 or more, please call a Braves representative at 404-614-2196 to ensure seating arrangements for the game.

Special Octane in the Outfield Pricing and Options:
Golden Moon Casino Package - $16: Includes Golden Moon Casino Level Ticket (regular price $28) and Green Lot "Double" Parking Pass ("Double" Parking Pass Includes TWO spaces reserved for ONE car)
Outfield Pavilion Package - $21: Includes Outfield Pavilion Ticket (regular price $22) and Green Lot "Double" Parking Pass
Additional Game Tickets for Family and Friends are available starting at $6
Optional Trailer Space in the Silver Lot - $ 40 (Please note: trailer parking will not be permitted in the Green Lot)

The Atlanta Braves is Major League Baseball's winningest franchise since 1991. During that time, Braves teams have earned 14 division championships, five National League pennants and a World Series title. Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves franchise is the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on FS South, SportSouth, and Peachtree TV with radio broadcasts heard in Atlanta on 640 WGST, Project 9-6-1 (96.1 FM) and VIVA 105.7 and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.

Uniting enthusiasts with the vehicle of their dreams, AutoTrader Classics is the Internet's leading automotive classifieds marketplace dedicated to classic vehicles, with more than 20,000 listings of classic cars, trucks and parts for those vehicles. In addition to the online marketplace, AutoTrader Classics also produces a series of print publications designed to inform and entertain classic car enthusiasts and collectors.

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Wolves Football Coming Soon

The long off-season is over for the West Georgia Wolves football team and the serious work has begun. Preseason camp started this week with a welcome from Coach Daryl Dickey and his staff to more than 100 players. The team will play their first game on August 29 at Wingate University against the Bulldogs.

The grand opening of University Stadium on the UWG campus and the home opener for the Wolves will take place on Labor Day weekend, September 5. The Wolves will match wits with Lambuth University’s Eagles in new uniforms and with a new attitude.

The word “new” is often used at this time of year and for the Wolves it is more than applicable. With only seven seniors on the roster and a large number of new faces on both sides of the ball, UWG will have more than new uniforms and a new stadium in 2009.

“We’ll be a completely different team than we were last year,” said Dickey. “Not only players will be different but the perception will be, too. The way that we look, the way that we act on the field and the amount of confidence we bring to the games is something we’ve focused on a lot during the off-season.”

As the team takes the field for conditioning and prepares for full contact practice next week, contractors are putting the finishing touches to University Stadium.

The scoreboard is up, the sound booth is built and the seats are in. Fans can purchase season tickets and individual tickets through the Department of Athletics. Full season ticket books are available at $60 for chair back seats in several prime sections and $50 for bleacher seats.
To purchase tickets, e-mail eduffey@westga.edu. For more information on the UWG athletics program, go to http://www.uwgsports.com/. For updates and photographs of the Athletics Complex and University Stadium, visit http://www.westga.edu/~stadium/.

Go Wolves.

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Hawks Re-Sign Marvin Williams

The Atlanta Hawks re-signed restricted free agent forward Marvin Williams on Friday, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not announced.

“Marvin is an important part of our core, and we’re very pleased to keep him in a Hawks uniform,” Sund said. “As one of our talented and versatile young veterans, he’s shown improvement every year in the league, and we look for that trend to continue. A big priority this summer was to retain as many of our free agents as possible and keep our nucleus intact, so Marvin’s return is significant for us.”

The 23-year-old Williams, entering his fifth year with the Hawks, averaged 13.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.3 apg in 34.3 mpg (.458 FG%, .355 3FG%, .806 FT%) last season, playing in 61 games (59 starts).

Williams knocked down 55 three-pointers on the season after making just 25 in his first three seasons combined. He ranked second on the team in FTM (220), 3rd in rpg and 4th in ppg, FT% and 3FG%. He scored in double-figures 46 times, including 10 20-point outings, compiling six double-doubles.

In 284 career games, Williams is averaging 12.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.4 apg in 31.7 mpg (.450 FG%, .801 FT%). He’s also seen action in 13 postseason contests (10 starting assignments), putting up 8.5 ppg.

Williams was originally selected by Atlanta with the second overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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.

Main Street Newnan’s Sunrise on the Square Road Race

Dust off those running shoes! Main Street Newnan’s Annual Mike Fitzpatrick Ford’s Sunrise on the Square Road Race is planned for Saturday, September 5th.

The One Mile Walk/Run begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:00 a.m. There will be a short “Tot Trot” following the race. Runners will gather on West Broad Street for the start of the race. The race course continues to Newnan High School and through historic neighborhoods and then finishes at the square.

The entry fee is $20 for runners if received by September 3rd and is $25 on the day of the race. All participants will receive a 100% cotton long sleeved road race t-shirt. Beverages and light refreshments will be available. Tot Trotters will receive a short sleeved youth size t-shirt.

The road race is a fundraiser for the Main Street Newnan program, which hosts about 40 special events throughout the year in downtown Newnan. Along with Main Street Newnan, sponsors of the road race include Mike Fitzpatrick Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Coweta Fayette EMC Natural Gas, Bank of Coweta, and Synergy Fitness.

There will be prizes given out to top finishers in male and female categories based on age groups. Non-runners have the phantom runner option, which allows people to support the cause without making the run. Phantom runners can donate to the Main Street program and receive a t-shirt.
The road race is a part of Main Street’s Labor Day festivities. The Annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sales kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday and continues on Saturday. The ever-popular Market Days on the Square will also be featured on Saturday.

Online registration is now open at www.active.com or download an application at www.mainstreetnewnan. For more information, please contact Main Street Newnan at lbridges@cityofnewnan.org.
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UGA offers guaranteed Gameday parking on campus for $120

University of Georgia Parking Services is selling season long parking permits in the Carlton Street Parking Deck for all six 2009 home football games.

Passes cost $120 plus shipping and handling and are sold exclusively at http://gamedaygameplan.com/ until 5 p.m. Sept. 1. They will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.

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Hawks 2009 Preseason Schedule Highlighted by National Television Appearance at Magic

Atlanta hosts New Orleans on October 7 in preseason opener

The Atlanta Hawks will open their 2009 preseason schedule on Wednesday, October 7 with a home game against the New Orleans Hornets at Philips Arena (7 p.m. tipoff), and will close out exhibition play on October 23 with a nationally-televised game at Orlando at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

The Hawks also host the Charlotte Bobcats (October 12) and Washington Wizards (October 19) in exhibition action at Philips Arena. Both contests start at 7 p.m.

Other road games include visits to Detroit (October 11, 6 p.m.), Memphis (October 14, 8 p.m.), and Jacksonville’s (FL) Veterans Memorial Arena to take on the Miami Heat on October 22 (7 p.m.).

Training Camp ’09 will begin with Media Day activities on Monday, September 28 at 3 p.m. on the Philips Arena practice court with practices set to begin the following day (Tuesday, September 29). The practice schedule will be released at a later date.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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.

2009 ATLANTA HAWKS PRESEASON SCHEDULE
(all times eastern)

Date Opponent Location/Facility Time
Oct 7 vs. New Orleans Hornets Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 11 at Detroit Pistons Auburn Hills, MI/The Palace 6 p.m.
Oct 12 vs. Charlotte Bobcats Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 14 at Memphis Grizzlies Memphis, TN/FedEx Forum 8 p.m.
Oct 19 vs. Washington Wizards Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 22 at Miami Heat Jacksonville, FL/Veterans Memorial Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 23 at Orlando Magic Orlando, FL/Amway Arena 8 p.m.
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Georgia Southern University Provides Update on Football Bowl Subdivision Feasibility Study

Georgia Southern University last week released its Football Reclassification Analysis as developed under contract by the consulting firm of Rosser International, Inc., McGee-Geiger and CSL International. Prepared to examine and assess the University’s position and potential for elevating its football program to the NCAA Division-I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the document contains an extensive review of facilities, current and future scholarship allotments and budget considerations and comparisons. The study provides a roadmap for activity and minimum necessary funding for reclassification. The full report is available for review www.georgiaSouthern.edu/athleticstudy.

University officials announced plans for a prospective study in November 2007 and initial analysis began in June 2008. Surveys, public forums and meetings with various constituents continued through the early part of 2009. As requested, the consultants reassessed some initial projections to more accurately reflect the current and foreseeable economic landscape.

“With the multitude of factors that had to be analyzed, this study helped the University identify the resources required to succeed at our current level of competition and identify the improvements and facilities needed should the University elect to pursue this change”, said Ron Core, vice president for business and finance. “It is important for us not to underestimate the funding required and at the same time, maintain a realistic perspective of potential funding sources.”

Further analysis and discussion of the research, survey results and funding sources will assist University and athletics department administration in determining a future course of action. The NCAA-mandated moratorium on any reclassification continues through December 2011. Currently, the 15 sports programs sponsored by the University (football, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball) compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

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Register now for Valdosta State's Annual Fun Run/Walk

Valdosta State University's Campus Recreation and Campus Wellness Committee have opened registration for the 4th Annual VSU Community 5K Fun Run/Walk, which will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.

Participants will meet in front of West Hall prior to start time. First through third place winners in male and female categories will receive prizes and additional items will be raffled off by random drawings after completion of the race. Farber Health Center as well as EMS representatives will be on location to ensure participant safety.

Registration is $12 for students and $15 for all other participants who sign up in advance. All participants pay $20 on race day beginning at 7:15 a.m. Register by July 31 to guarantee a T-shirt on race day.

Facilitated by Todd Smoot of Get Active, the race will begin at 8 a.m. in front of VSU's main campus and will proceed around the perimeter of main campus. Course markers will be positioned to provide directions on the day of the race, but a course map can be found on the entry form, which are available at Get Active, located in the Winn-Dixie shopping center at Five Points, Campus Recreation on Sustella Avenue and on Campus Wellness Website www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness/ .

For more information, e-mail Shawn Phippen at sphippen@valdosta.edu or call (229) 245-4307.

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Strong Arms, Big Bats Comprise Talented Group of Aflac's National Baseball Player of the Year Nominees

/PRNewswire/ -- Five of the nation's most dominant prep players -- three power pitchers, one catcher and one two-way talent -- have been nominated for the sixth annual Aflac National High School Player of the Year Award, given to the country's top high school baseball player.

The Player of the Year recipient will be presented with the Jackie Robinson Award, a trophy named in honor of the late Hall of Famer. Robinson's granddaughter, Sonya Pankey, will present the award at the Aflac All-American Awards Dinner held at the Hilton Bayfront on Aug. 15 in San Diego, Calif. Also on hand for the ceremony will be Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, who returns as honorary chairman for the 2009 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic.

The Jackie Robinson award, named after the first player to break the Major League Baseball color barrier, recognizes the nation's top player who demonstrates outstanding character, exhibits leadership and embodies the values of being a student athlete.

"The Jackie Robinson Award nominees are the very best our nation's high schools have to offer, and we honor them for their contributions both on the field and in their communities," said Jeff Charney, Aflac senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We salute them for their achievements and commend them for representing Jackie Robinson's amazing legacy."

The 2009 Aflac National High School Player of the Year nominees are:

-- Andrew Cole, RHP, Oviedo High School - Winter Springs, Fla.
-- Bryce Harper, C, Las Vegas High School - Las Vegas, Nev.
-- Justin O'Conner, RHP/INF, Cowan Junior/Senior High School - Muncie,
Ind.
-- DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Tattnall Square Academy - Macon, Ga.
-- Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands High School - The Woodlands, Texas

The inaugural Jackie Robinson Award, presented in 2004, went to Aflac All-American alumnus Justin Upton, a shortstop from Great Bridge High School (Chesapeake, Va.). The Arizona Diamondbacks made Upton the No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 Major League Baseball June draft, and he was selected to the MLB All-Star roster in 2009.

Other previous winners include Cody Johnson, a first baseman/outfielder from Mosley High School (Panama City, Fla.) in 2005, Michael Burgess, an outfielder/pitcher from Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Fla.) in 2006 and Tim Melville, a pitcher/outfielder from Wentzville High School (Wentzville, Mo.) in 2007. Last year, Mychal Givens, a pitcher/infielder from Plant High School (Tampa, Fla.) won the award. Player of the Year nominees are determined by official Aflac All-American Baseball Classic selection partner Perfect Game and media partner Baseball America.

The seventh annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic will be played Sunday, Aug. 16, at PETCO Park in San Diego, the second consecutive year the game has been played in a major league stadium. The event is the nation's elite high school baseball showcase, featuring the top 40 baseball players in an East vs. West matchup. The game will be televised live nationally on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The Aflac Baseball Classic is more than just a game. It is part of Aflac's ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer, with proceeds benefiting Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Since 2003, the Classic has generated $685,000 for charity.

To learn more about the Aflac National High School Player of the Year nominees and the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic, visit www.aflacallamerican.com.

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