Monday, August 30, 2010

The Georgia Center presents “1980 Championship Year Revisited” photography exhibit

A pictorial exhibit of University of Georgia football by photojournalist Wingate Downs, “1980 Championship Year Revisited,” will be on display in Hill Atrium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel, Sept. 1 – Jan. 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Georgia Center is located at 1197 S. Lumpkin Street.

This exhibit profiles UGA’s 1980 National Championship football team. The collection tells the story of that successful football season and the players who made it possible. Downs captured the excitement of this legendary year of UGA football including Herschel Walker’s first day of practice, Walker’s touchdown at the Sugar Bowl and fans watching home games from the railroad tracks.

Downs is an Oglethorpe County resident and a graduate of UGA’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He was chief photographer for the Athens Banner-Herald and Athens Daily News for 18 years, photo director of Athens Magazine for nine years, and stringer for the Associated Press and United Press International for 20 years in Athens. He earned more than 30 state and national awards for his news and advertising photography throughout his career, including an Instant Citation from the Associated Press. Downs’ photography has been printed by Life, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and People magazine, and many books on Athens and UGA sports, including Glory! Glory! Georgia’s 1980 Championship Season: The Inside Story by Lewis Grizzard and Loran Smith, and Dooley’s Dawgs: 25 Years of Winning Football at the University of Georgia, by Loran Smith and Vince Dooley. Downs currently operates a freelance photography business.

The Georgia Center is a unit of the University of Georgia Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. On UGA’s campus, the Georgia Center includes a full-service hotel with 200 rooms and suites, restaurants, ballroom, banquet areas, conference rooms, auditoriums, a fitness center, and a computer lab — all under one roof. For more information, see www.georgiacenter.uga.edu.


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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Brunswick and the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau Announces Sponsorship of Inaugural McGladrey Classic

Bureau welcomes fans to enjoy countless activities available on Georgia’s Coast on and off the course

Brunswick and The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau (BGICVB) is delighted to be a top sponsor and welcome the inaugural McGladrey Classic, the PGA TOUR’s newest tournament, to coastal Georgia this October.

Contested on St. Simons Island at Sea Island Golf Club’s venerable Seaside course, The McGladrey Classic promises to be a stellar event as host Davis Love III, a longtime Golden Isles resident, and other PGA TOUR notables compete for the win. The McGladrey Classic offers spectators an exceptional experience including four days of world-class golf, and the Golden Isles will provide an idyllic backdrop for walks along beautiful beaches, luscious meals, limitless activities and warm Southern hospitality.

McGladrey, the tournament’s title sponsor, is one of the nation's leading assurance, tax and business consulting firms. Tournament proceeds will benefit Special Olympics and two local charities for children and families - the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia and Safe Harbor Children’s Center, located in The Golden Isles.

Located midway between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL, The Golden Isles has been called “home” by numerous notable golfers. Renowned for the superior golf courses, coaching and teaching facilities, the region also provides a rich life off the course, making it a truly special location for residents and visitors to the area. The area’s culture, history and attractions will be showcased to all who visit during tournament week.

Area highlights include miles of sun-drenched beaches, 198 holes of golf, historic sites and museums, fishing and watersports, quaint specialty shops and galleries, nature programs, and more creating a memorable experience just steps away from the tournament gates. Local restaurants offer an abundance of options from fine dining to casual, waterfront meals. Accommodations range from convenient interstate hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns on the mainland, to a world-class island resort, private island retreats, historic seaside and riverfront hotels, golf and tennis resorts, rental cottages and campgrounds.

“The Golden Isles serves as the perfect backdrop for a spectacular golf event,” said Davis Love III, PGA TOUR member. “This is the special place I call home, and I am honored to have Brunswick and The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau as a major sponsor of our tournament. I look forward to sharing my community and all it has to offer with spectators and players alike.”

For those seeking details and information about The Golden Isles, the BGICVB will be making frequent posts and sharing special tournament opportunities on its Facebook page. An interactive area map located on the page is also an excellent resource for those planning a visit to The Golden Isles.

“While spectators are guaranteed to enjoy top-notch golf on a world-class course, our primary goal is to ensure that visitors have all of the resources and information they need to extend fun beyond the golf course,” said Bill Tipton, Executive Director, BGICVB. “Our Facebook page is the ideal place for golf enthusiasts to learn about activities, dining and lodging information and is also a great place for fans to post questions about their trip and receive prompt, informative responses. We are delighted to be the resource for all things Coastal Georgia during The McGladrey Classic.”

For more information about The McGladrey Classic and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mcgladreyclassic.com.
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Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Names Terry “Mr. 500” Green as Grand Marshal

NASCAR fan and Lawrenceville native was Emory’s 500th heart transplant patient in 2008

When Emory Healthcare and Atlanta Motor Speedway officials began searching for the grand marshal of this year’s Emory Healthcare 500 Sprint Cup Series race, they didn’t have to search long or far to find the perfect candidate – and one who already possessed the perfect tailor-made nickname for such an occasion.

Lawrenceville native Terry “Mr. 500” Green has been named the grand marshal for this year’s race, to be held on Labor Day weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Green’s story – and how he came to be known as “Mr. 500” – actually had nothing to do with automobile racing when the title was created back in March 2008, after he became the 500th heart transplant recipient at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Green is also one of very few, if not the ONLY patient from Emory, who can actually say he was born twice in the same hospital and mean it. Not only did he receive his heart transplant at Emory almost 61 years to the day of his birth, but he was also born in the hospital, which no longer delivers babies (Emory University Hospital Midtown – previously Emory Crawford Long – has long since provided these services.)

While Emory University Hospital no longer delivers babies, Green can now claim – and really mean it – that he was literally born twice at Emory University Hospital.

“It was a very special feeling to have a new chance at life because of my heart transplant, and the fact that I was also the 500th person to receive a new heart at Emory was extra special,” says Green, who is a fifth generation Gwinnett County native. “To be named the grand marshal for the Emory Healthcare 500, an event that is such an incredible show, and means so much to Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area each year, is beyond a special surprise – it is an honor. I am so excited to see my first race in person, and I will forever carry with me the memory by being a part of such a special event.”

According to Dane Peterson, Chief Operating Officer for Emory University Hospital Midtown, having Green serve as the official grand marshal is a special treat for the Emory Healthcare family, as well as for Green and his family.

“When we began to discuss who we might have as the ceremonial starter for this event, it didn’t take very long at all for Terry’s name and story to jump right into the front of the pack,” says Peterson. “We were all very familiar with Terry’s incredible story, and since his transplant a few years ago, he has befriended Emory in many ways as one of our best known ambassadors. Once everyone quickly agreed that ‘Mr. 500’ should undoubtedly be our guy to officially start the engines Sunday night, the only question left was, ‘Is he a race car fan?’”

Green, who has never seen a race in person, is a fan – particularly of No. 29 Kevin Harvick. But just how did Green become a fan of Harvick, as opposed to any one of the other 42 race car drivers who will compete in Atlanta?

“Interesting story,” says Green. “One day I was in my local car dealership getting my vehicle serviced, and they were sponsoring a contest. The grand prize was a cruise ship vacation. I didn’t win the vacation … but I won a Kevin Harvick scale model vehicle. I’ve been following and rooting for him ever since.”

And speaking of cruise ships – it was aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean during a vacation with his wife that Green suddenly suffered a severe heart attack. He was stabilized aboard the ship, and later on shore, before being transported back to Georgia and Emory for care. He would later learn that the doctors that treated him in the Caribbean were both Emory University School of Medicine trained physicians.

“You talk about another extra special link to this whole experience,” said Green. Not only was my life saved on foreign soil by doctors who learned their trade at Emory, but I would receive my transplant there, was born there, and will now forever be known as ‘Mr. 500’ for this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

And who is Green bringing to this year’s race? His wife? His son? A neighbor or co-worker?

“My au pair,” says Green.

“Lee Mitchell is actually a good buddy of mine who looked after me - along with my wife, Danette, and my son Taylor Green, who is a race fan, while I was at Emory waiting on my heart transplant. Even though my wife is not going, I know she’ll be watching for me on TV.”

The Emory Healthcare 500
The biggest Labor Day party in the USA is at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Emory Healthcare 500 race weekend on Sept. 3 -5. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Emory Heart Transplant Program
The Heart Transplant Program has been in existence at Emory University Hospital since 1985, when it performed the first heart transplant in Georgia. Today Emory’s patient survival rates are among the best in the country. Emory’s transplant program has an experienced multi-disciplinary team highly skilled in the care of heart transplant candidates and recipients. This team includes the Center’s cardiologists, a transplant surgeon, transplant coordinators, a social worker, psychiatrist, psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, pharmacist, clinical nutritionist, physical therapist, chaplain, staff nurses and a financial coordinator. Each member of this team offers a specialized service in the care of Emory transplant patients. 

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

First Ever 3D Broadcasts of US Open Spearheaded by Panasonic and CBS Sports

/PRNewswire/ -- The USTA today announced that consumer electronics giant Panasonic has become an official sponsor of the US Open in a new three-year agreement.

Working with CBS Sports, the USTA and Panasonic will spearhead the first-ever 3D broadcasts of the tournament. CBS Sports will produce 3D versions of all the Arthur Ashe Stadium matches that it broadcasts in High Definition on Labor Day Weekend and on Finals Weekend, September 10-12. These matches will be made available nationwide via DirecTV's exclusive dedicated 3D entertainment channel, "n|3D Powered by Panasonic" (DirecTV channel 103).

On-site at the 2010 US Open, Panasonic will have three 3D viewing galleries--a 3D Panasonic Showcase located in the former International Tennis Hall of Fame Gallery on the floor level of Louis Armstrong Stadium, and another in SmashZone, the US Open's interactive tennis experience for fans and families located in the state-of-the-art indoor facility and one more in the South Plaza area. Panasonic and DirecTV also will provide the US Open semifinal and final matches live in 3D to hundreds of TV retail outlets nationwide, including scores of Best Buy stores, as part of the September 10-12 "National 3D Demo Days" organized by the Consumer Electronics Association.

"We are very pleased to enter a new era of sports production with a new partner, Panasonic, and our long-time partner, CBS," said Lucy S. Garvin, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. "We continually explore new innovations for the US Open, and new ways to present our tournament to tennis fans. 3D technology is the wave of the future, and once again the US Open will be on the cutting edge."

"Panasonic is proud to support the US Open, on site and in homes throughout the country, by bringing live match action to tennis fans in immersive 3D," said Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Panasonic consumer and professional 3D displays will show the Arthur Ashe Stadium matches to spectators on site in Flushing Meadows, viewers nationwide can see them via DirecTV's exclusive 3D channel, 'n|3D powered by Panasonic,' and our professional 3D camcorder will be used to shoot interviews and other footage in 3D for CBS's production."

"CBS Sports is looking forward to using this groundbreaking technology during our coverage of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships," said Harold Bryant, Vice President, Production, CBS Sports. "With the court-level camera positions that will make viewers feel like they are right on the court, and the resonant sounds of the game and the spectators, tennis will be a spectacular sport to see in 3D."

The 3D broadcasts will use a separate production team and equipment from the traditional HD broadcasts of the tournament. Plans call for six camera rigs (each holding two high definition cameras), two special 3D production trucks, and a unique 3D-dedicated CBS Sports broadcast team. CBS has designed the 3D camera placements lower to the court than traditional TV locations, in order to capture the close-up and personal, athletic dimension of tennis that make 3D such a powerful experience.

Panasonic also will reach out to viewers with advertising geared to the new 3D technology during the CBS Sports broadcasts of the US Open. In order to view the US Open in 3D, fans must have 3D televisions and 3D eyewear and be subscribers to DirecTV.

The Panasonic sponsorship also include sponsorship of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the US Open's tennis and entertainment spectacular that serves as the unofficial opening to the tournament. In addition, Panasonic will have new, digital signage in the three stadiums and at most of the outer courts at the US Open.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.

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Monday, August 23, 2010

Eagle's Landing Country Club Named '2010 Georgia Course of The Year' by Georgia Golf Course Owners Association

/PRNewswire/ -- Eagle's Landing Country Club in Stockbridge has been recognized by the Georgia Golf Course Owners Association (GGCOA) as the "2010 Course of the Year." Eagle's Landing Country Club, a member of the ClubCorp family of clubs since 2000, offers a 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed Championship course.

"The criteria we use to determine the award includes outstanding quality of the course, outstanding quality of management and ownership, contribution to the game of golf, and contribution to the community," said Cindy Acree, executive director of the GGCOA. "Eagle's Landing excels in all of these areas and was the clear choice to receive this year's award."

Since 2003, significant improvements to the course have included the opening of the New Nine, a new irrigation system with pump station for improved efficiency, renovation of greens to A1/A4 Bentgrass, renovation of greenside bunkers, and cart path replacement on the Creek Nine. In addition, this year the club developed a creative and cost-effective solution to erosion control by utilizing old cart path materials to stabilize creek bank areas.

In the last 13 months, Eagle's Landing has added more than 180 golf members to its roster, which is a testament to overall golf course conditioning and member support. The golf member growth and the quality of the golf course position the club strongly for the future.

Russ Curtis, CCM, has served as general manager at Eagle's Landing since 2002 and is a past Board member of GGCOA and a current Board member of the Georgia Chapter of Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). Superintendent Cecil Smith, with Eagle's Landing since 1998, has been the superintendent since 2001 and is active in the GCSAA. Lisa Chase, who has served as membership director at the club for more than 11 years, had the strongest performance in the company against sales plan in 2009.

Eagle's Landing is the host club to Georgia State University Men's and Women's golf teams. In 2010, the club hosted Eagle's Landing High School and Eagle's Landing Christian Academy golf teams as well as a fundraising golf event for Union Grove High School. Director of Golf Rick Burkardt, Head Golf Professional Mark Hall, and Director of Instruction Cathy Mant all actively teach players at all levels. The club, highly regarded in the Georgia golf community, has served as the venue site for the LPGA Tour 15 times.

Since 2002, the club has hosted the annual Charity Ball, which has raised more than $230,000 in net proceeds for local charities. The ClubCorp Charity Classic, founded three years ago, to date has raised approximately $30,000 solely at Eagle's Landing for worthy charities. The club is holding its 2010 event Sept 24. In the 15 years of LPGA tournament history at Eagle's Landing, more than $7.5 million was given to charities. The club has established a Charity Selection Board, which decides on local charities that will benefit from the club's charitable events and strives to be a good community supporter.

As GGCOA Course of the Year, Eagle's Landing is eligible to be named the National Course of the Year. Award winners will also be recognized at the National Golf Course Owners Association Luncheon at the Golf Industry Show in February in Orlando. Former GGCOA Courses of the Year include East Lake, Cuscowilla, RiverPines, Hawks Ridge, and Barnsley Gardens.

In addition to Eagle's Landing, ClubCorp owns or operates eight Atlanta-area properties, including Laurel Springs Golf Club, Bear's Best Golf Club, and the recently acquired Country Club of the South.

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"Run the Farm" Scheduled Sept 25 at Cedargate Farms in Newnan

FOCUS organization to sponsor inaugural event to benefit children with disabilities and their families.
 

FOCUS,(www.focus-ga.org) a 27-year old non-profit that serves children with disabilities or medical conditions and their families, announces “Run the Farm for FOCUS” 5k trail run and 1 mile family walk Saturday, September 25 at beautiful Cedargate Farms (www.cedargatefarms.com) in Newnan. Registration is $20 through September 15 and $25 after September 15 and includes breakfast and a Run the Farm for Focus t-shirt.

This event is presented by E*Trade Financial (www.etrade.com), and sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Beaulieu Group, and Kroger.

“Run the Farm” replaces the annual Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament for 2010 due to a conflict with a national horse event scheduled at Cedargate Farms on the same day as the Kool Kidz Classic. Dr. Phil and Mrs. Ann Beegle’s desire for continued support of FOCUS resulted in their suggesting a family and fitness-oriented event at Cedargate Farms. For 2010, running shoes will replace hats; runners will love the trails and families can enjoy the beautiful countryside.

FOCUS Executive Director Lucy Cusick explains that FOCUS families often adjust their lives when they have a child with disabilities. “The change in events for 2010 is minor compared to what special needs parents do on a daily basis!” Cusick reports that FOCUS now offers its flagship programs to communities south of Atlanta and hopes this event will bring awareness to the needs of children with disabilities and their families. “We invite the entire community to ‘Run the Farm!’ ”

The 5k Trail Run will begin at 8:00 am and the 1 Mile Family Walk at 9:00 am. Chick-fil-A will provide breakfast to participants, and activities for children and families will begin at 9:30 am.

For more information and to register for go online, go to www.focus-ga.org or contact Lucy Cusick at FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or email runthefarm@focus-ga.org.

ABOUT FOCUS
FOCUS was founded to offer emotional, informational and physical support to families of children with disabilities or ongoing medical needs. FOCUS has grown to reach almost 3,000 families in metro Atlanta through a variety of programs including summer camp, family camp, support groups, community respite, hospital support and family activities. FOCUS is committed to serving ordinary families facing extraordinary circumstances and providing a sense of community.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Former Major League Baseball Player Roger Clemens Indicted, Charged with Obstruction of Congress, Making False Statements, and Committing Perjury Before Congressional Committee

United States Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Shawn Henry, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, announced today that Roger Clemens was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. and charged with one count of obstruction of Congress, three counts of making false statements, and two counts of perjury in connection with his February 2008 testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The indictment was returned today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. If convicted of all charges, Clemens, 48, of Houston, Texas, faces a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. Under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, the range of imprisonment is presently 15-21 months.

In January and February 2008, the House Committee held a hearing titled, “The Mitchell Report: The Illegal Use of Steroids in Major League Baseball.” The hearing examined the allegations contained in a comprehensive report issued in December 2007 by former Senator George J. Mitchell titled, “Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball.” The Committee’s 2008 hearing followed a Committee hearing in March 2005 that was titled, “Restoring Faith in America’s Pastime: Evaluating Major League Baseball’s Efforts to Eradicate Steroid Use.”

During its 2008 hearing, the Committee took sworn testimony from Senator Mitchell, Clemens and several others. Clemens, a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1984 to 2007, made statements under oath denying his use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH). Anabolic steroids and HGH are performance enhancing drugs. Following his testimony, the Committee formally referred this matter to the Department of Justice to investigate whether Clemens committed any federal crimes in connection with his testimony.

The charges in this federal grand jury indictment are a result of that referral. They are set forth in detail in the six-count indictment.

“The Department of Justice takes referrals from Congressional Committees very seriously. Americans have a right to expect that witnesses who testify under oath before Congress will tell the truth,” United States Attorney Machen stated. “Our government cannot function if witnesses are not held accountable for false statements made before Congress. Today the message is clear: if a witness makes a choice to ignore his or her obligation to testify honestly, there will be consequences.”

“The FBI has a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the investigative process is maintained, and that includes the obligation of witnesses to testify truthfully,” said FBI Assistant Director Henry. “This has been a long investigation, and I commend the special agents for their dedication collecting and analyzing the facts that have led to these charges.”

This is the Committee’s second referral to the Department of Justice that resulted from its investigation into steroid use in Major League Baseball. In February 2009, MLB player Miguel Tejada pleaded guilty to making misleading statements to Committee investigators concerning his knowledge of performance enhancing drugs. Tejada’s case stemmed from statements he made in August 2005.

The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Special Olympics Georgia Masters Bowling in Warner Robins and Horse Show in Perry Aug. 20-22

/PRNewswire/ -- Two Special Olympics Georgia State Games will be held in middle Georgia Aug. 20-22: the State Horse Show and State Masters Bowling. Nearly 900 athletes from all over Georgia will travel to Warner Robins to compete to be the best bowler and to Perry for equestrian competitions.

In Warner Robins, bowling competitions will be held at Gold Cup Warner Robins and Robins Lanes Air Force Base. This is the first of three years Masters Bowling will be in Warner Robins.

The Horse Show features more than 200 athletes from all over the state competing to be Georgia's best in showmanship, dressage, English and western riding, and riding trails at Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.

The games are free and open to the public. Awards will be given out throughout the weekend.

All events are free and open to the public.

If you would like to be a volunteer, contact Leslie.Anderson@SpecialOlympicsGA.org or if you would like to be a sponsor, contact Kerri.Baldwin@SpecialOlympicsGA.org.

For more information about the games and for a schedule, visit www.specialolympicsga.org. Come be a fan in the stands.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF) Teams Unite for 2010 U.S. National Fencing Championships

/PRNewswire/ -- The Peter Westbrook Foundation's athletes joined 6,500 others from around the country to compete for the distinction of being crowned the nation's best at the 2010 Summer National Championships. Held in Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center, the annual event showcased some of the best fencers the United States has to offer competing for various titles. With a new generation of PWF athletes claiming four national championships, three silver medals, and five bronzes, the Peter Westbrook Foundation continued to further its tradition of distinct excellence.

This years National Champions include:
Junior Women's Foil; Nzingha Prescod
Junior Men's Sabre; Adrian Bak

Senior Men's Sabre Team; Adrian Bak, Dan Bak, Luther Clement & Konate Primus

Senior Women's Foil Team; Epiphany Georges, Demeca Homer, Kylie McGill & Nzingha Prescod

Highlighting the championships was the PWF Men's Sabre team capturing its 10th national team title. The team last won in 2008 with the help of 2000 Olympian, and long-time PWF pupil and mentor, Akhi Spencer-el. Now, as the Peter Westbrook Foundations head sabre coach, Ahki would help a new and younger PWF team recapture a title that he had been so crucial in attaining as a fencer. Composed of Daniel Bak (individual bronze medalist) and Adrian Bak (junior gold medalist), the team entered the field of 30 teams with modest ambitions but quickly found their collective stride and proved to be a formidable force as they eliminated some of the nations top teams.

Most notable of all, however, was the come-from-behind victory against defending champions Manhattan Fencing Center. Facing a team starting one Olympic medalist and one World Team member, the PWF was pitted as relative underdogs and was forced to fight back from an early deficit for the entirety of the match. In heroic fashion, displaying poise, composure and a will to win, Dan Bak would step up in the final bout to take the match by defeating Darryl Homer in a thrilling one touche finale, 45-44. The win would spur on victories in other events that had yet to compete. The PWF Senior Women's foil team would go on to claim the championship with landslide victories over their competitors. The Senior Men's Epee team and the Peter Westbrook Junior Sabre Team would go on to earn silver medals in their events as well.

"In all 19 years of the foundation, this national championships is the most exciting I've ever seen," exclaimed Peter Westbrook, founder of the Peter Westbrook Foundation. "Now, with our Olympians and Olympic medalists retired, we have unveiled a new generation of foundation champions. With their outstanding performances in Atlanta, this new crop has proven that they are capable of achieving and even surpassing the success of their predecessors."

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Monday, August 9, 2010

Aflac Launches New Labor Day NASCAR Contest 'Finding The All-American Worker'

/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the No. 1 provider of voluntary and guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States, today announced a nationwide search for the All-American Worker. A lucky winner will receive a trip for two to Atlanta for an exclusive behind the scenes experience at the Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, including a meeting with NASCAR driver Carl Edwards.

Aflac's Finding The All-American Worker contest is being hosted on the newly launched Aflac Racing page on Facebook and runs through Aug. 18. To participate in the contest, entrants must explain how they, or someone they know, go above and beyond on the job and in their lives.

"I can't think of anything better than a Labor Day race to celebrate the spirit of the American workforce -- a workforce Aflac has under its wing," said Edwards.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for two, 3-day/2-night hotel accommodations, ground transportation and $500 spending money. Entries must provide a detailed account of the nominee's line of work and why the person is deserving of the prize. Entries can be submitted online at the Aflac Racing Fan page on Facebook at Facebook.com/AflacRacing.

"For 55 years, Aflac has been helping the American workforce recover from illness or injury by offering voluntary insurance policies that help protect you financially when you need it most," said Danny Fleishman, vice president of sponsorships and emerging markets at Aflac. "Aflac's Finding The All-American Worker contest allows us to spotlight an inspiring person and also treat them to a one of a kind race day experience."

Public voting on the contest page will determine the top-five submissions based on the total number of votes received. From that group, Aflac will review and judge the semifinalist essays and determine a contest winner in August.

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Petit commits $1.5 million cornerstone gift to GSU Athletics

Georgia State University hasn't played a football game yet, but the program has scored a key victory as alumnus and long-time benefactor Parker H. "Pete" Petit has made a $1.5 million commitment toward the GSU Football Practice Complex, representing the largest gift ever made to GSU athletics.

Head coach Bill Curry and the Panthers are preparing for their inaugural season, which kicks off Sept. 2 at the Georgia Dome. Team members begin preseason drills Wednesday.

Petit, who received his MBA from Georgia State's J. Mack Robinson College of Business, is chairman and chief executive officer of MiMedx Group, Inc., an integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of biomaterial-based products. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Matria Healthcare and other Healthdyne-related companies.

"I believe that having football at Georgia State University will provide numerous benefits for the students and the University," said Petit. "Under Coach Bill Curry, Panther football will add a new dimension to the excitement and enthusiasm that students will feel about their University experience.

"Coach Curry's character and leadership align exactly with that of President Mark Becker and the existing administration at GSU. This football program will create a more complete college experience at GSU, and it will certainly act as a catalyst for continuing the growth of the University."

Becker said, "'Pete' has been a loyal friend of Georgia State University for many years. He is a champion of higher education as evidenced by his gift to our Science Center, and we are deeply grateful for this cornerstone gift supporting GSU football."

"It is only fitting that 'Pete' is making this historic gift as we literally kick off our football program," said GSU Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. "What an exciting week this is, with our inaugural team reporting to campus and beginning practice as we build toward our historic opening game on Sept. 2."

Located adjacent to campus at 188 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the GSU Football Practice Complex features a 100-yard synthetic turf field and a 60-yard natural turf field with lights. The synthethic field was completed in March and utilized by the Panthers during spring practice, and the natural turf field is now also available for practice.

An existing structure on the property is being renovated and expanded to create a headquarters for Panther football, including a locker room for the team, as well as a state-of-the art weight room, expansive meeting space, an equipment room and an athletic training room.

The meeting rooms will be utilized by the Panthers this season, with the remaining phases to be completed as funding permits.

"The educational aspect of this project has been substantial, and one of the main instructors has been 'Pete' Petit," said Curry. "His unique involvement will enable us to provide our student-athletes with the facilities they need to be successful.

"'Pete' has been an inspiration to me for many years, and I am delighted to have him on our team."

The GSU Football Practice Complex will also be utilized by the University's new marching band, which debuts this fall.

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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, North Campus Parking Deck and the Performing Arts Center Parking Deck for all six 2010 home football games.

Passes cost $120 plus shipping and handling and are sold exclusively at http://gamedaygameplan.com/ until 5 p.m. on Aug. 25. They will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.

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