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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Thirteen Special Olympics Teams in Metro Atlanta Play Softball in McDonough Saturday

/PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics athletes from metro Atlanta areas will play softball Saturday, Oct. 24 at Heritage Park in McDonough, hosted by Henry County Parks and Recreation Department.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. and teams will play double eliminations. Tournament plaques will be given out to first through fourth place finishes. Teams are from the following counties: Cherokee, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Peach and Rockdale counties. Scores will be used as qualifiers to compete in State Games.

SOGA partners with 86 parks and recreation departments to put on competitions for local athletes. These departments host competitions, provide staff to help run the event and offer programs through its therapeutic recreation division for people with intellectual disabilities. SOGA provides sports equipment, arranges for free medical screenings for athletes and helps publicize the new sports offerings.

Interested Parks and Recreation departments should call 1-800-866-4400 ext. 104 for more information.

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Clayton State Foundation to Host Annual Town and Gown Golf Tournament October 12

The Clayton State University Foundation’s Annual Town & Gown Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Oct. 12 at Crystal Lake Country Club, 100 Crystal Lake Blvd., Hampton, Ga., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Excellence Fund of the Clayton State University Foundation, which is primarily used to provide scholarships for students in the Clayton State Honors Program.

The entry costs are $500 per four-person team or $150 per individual, if received by Oct. 5. Team entries after Oct. 5 are $600 and individual entries are $200. Awards will include first and second team prizes, along with raffle prizes.

Sponsorships are also still available for the tournament. There are various levels of sponsorship, including; Event Sponsors ($5000), Co-Tournament Sponsors ($2500), Laker Sponsors ($1000), Luncheon Sponsors ($200) and Cart Sponsors ($150). Individual holes are also available for sponsorship at $150 per hole. For more information on sponsorship, call Clayton State Director of Development Reda Rowell at (678) 466-4474. To obtain a registration form for the tournament, call (678) 466-4470.

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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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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Coweta: Fire Department Golf Tournament to Benefit American Cancer Society

The Coweta County Fire Department will hold its 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, July 31st at Orchard Hills Golf Club. This tournament has supported various charities and efforts across Coweta County, including Special Olympics, Coweta County Food Pantry and various public safety community outreach efforts like the “Ghost-Outs” held regularly at county high schools. This year the American Cancer Society is the recipient through the yearly Relay for Life.

The tournament is a “Four Man Scramble” and the price is $70/person or $280/4 person team. Fee includes green fees, cart, range balls and two mulligans. Awards will be given for the Straightest Drive and the Closest to the Pin. To play in the tournament simply mail your check (made out to the Coweta County Fire Department) to the Coweta County Fire Department, 483 Turkey Creek Road, Newnan, Georgia 30263.

Hole sponsorships are available for $50 each and door prizes are needed. For more information, contact Captain Chuck Loftin at cloftin@coweta.ga.us or 770-254-3900.
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Anniversary of Masters Waterski & Wake Board Tournament at Callaway Gardens Starts May 22‏

50th Anniversary of the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament™ and the 17th Junior Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament at Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga.

Friday, May 22
9:00 a.m. Junior Masters Elimination

Saturday, May 23
8:00 a.m. Junior Masters Finals
11:00 a.m. Masters Elimination Round
8:00 p.m. Movie premiere “Out of the Pond,” Mountain Creek Ballrooms (Free)

Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Chapel Service, Mountain Creek Ballrooms
10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring the Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
10:30 a.m. Masters Finals
End of Tournament signaled by Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
7:00 p.m. (until 8:30) Beach Olympics with Michael Blair (Free)

Spectators enjoy the awesome, often breathtaking competition while lounging in the sun; playing in the water’s edge and celebrating the beginning of summer at Callaway Gardens. Young and old alike can enjoy the many attractions at Robin Lake Beach including the miniature train, miniature golf, shuffleboard and more.

BONUS:

In celebration of this golden anniversary, special activities including:

* Premiere of a new movie “Out of the Pond” by Billabong which takes wakeboarding to new territory
* Parachute jumps by the Red Bull Extreme Jump Team
* Fireworks display
* Movie on the Beach – a family-favorite “Goonies”
* Robin Lake Beach is open for the Summer (paddleboats, shuffle board, swimming and more)
* Free Admission for military to both Masters and Callaway Gardens
* And more

What a great way to spend the long holiday weekend!

The event is for anyone who enjoys a fun in the sun setting. The entertainment is the best water-skiers and wake boarders from around the globe who have gathered to compete for the world’s most coveted title of their sport – the Champion of the Masters!

Dusk Fireworks Display

Following Fireworks Kickoff of the Summer series “Movies on the Beach (following fireworks) presenting “Goonies”

Tickets

Adult:
Single day beach pass $20; 3-day beach pass n/a
Single day pavilion pass $40 each day; 3-day pavilion pass $105

Child:
Single day beach pass $10; 3-day beach pass n/a

Special: To show appreciation to our nation’s armed services Memorial Day Weekend, Military Appreciation Day at the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament and Callaway Gardens. Both will provide free admission to those presenting valid military identification including active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree and dependents.

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PickManager.com Gives College Basketball Fans A Chance to Win $100 Million

(BUSINESS WIRE)--PickManager.com, a leader in online fantasy sports games, wants someone to walk away with $100 million by picking a “perfect bracket” during the annual men’s college hoops tournament in March.

“This historic contest is better than a free lottery ticket,” said Terry Dell, president of PickManager.com. “It is the ‘Game of the Century™,’ because nothing even close to this amount has ever been offered in sports contest history. This is 100 times larger than average prizes in the past.”

To enter the free contest, basketball fans can visit any website that has the official Game of the Century logo. To play, simply fill out the bracket of the 64 teams competing in the 2009 Men’s Division I college basketball championship. The person who correctly picks all of the winners—with a perfect bracket—will win the $100 million ultimate prize.

“For anyone who loves predicting the outcome of the March college tournament, this contest is a slam dunk,” Dell said. “We’re thrilled to add even more excitement to the tournament and our games with this unprecedented $100 million prize.

“At Pickmanager.com, you can play all the games you want all year for just $19.99,” Dell said. “PickManager.com creates innovative interactive sports games and mega prize contests. Our members can set up an unlimited number of public and private leagues with their friends and co-workers. They can enjoy playing in a variety of office pools and fantasy leagues, in addition to incredible national contests, with one account.”

In addition to the $100 million ultimate prize, PickManager.com is giving away many other prizes beginning the week of February 9, 2009. There are eight La-Z-Boy recliners up for grabs, one per week. Participants can qualify for the weekly random drawing by answering poll questions and selecting one out of four recliners to win if chosen. The grand prize is an extravagant sports den, featuring Lay-Z-Boy seating, a flat screen TV and a surround sound stereo system. It will be awarded to the person with the highest-scoring, “non-perfect” bracket.

The PickManager.com Game of the Century™ contest entry period runs from February 9, 2009 to 12 noon Eastern Time on March 17, 2009. Contestants must be 18 years or older, with a valid driver’s license. For full contest details, visit www.PickManager.com or a participating website.

Dell stressed that people must act fast to participate. “This free contest has a limited number of entries and we expect it to fill up quickly,” Dell said. “So make sure you, your friends and your co-workers sign up now for the chance to win the $100 million and other prizes. In addition, set up your own fully customizable March bracket contest at PickManager.com.”

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January 2009: Flag Football National Tournament Kicks Off in Las Vegas

/PRNewswire/ -- FlagMag.com, an interactive web site for flag football and touch players in the U.S. and around the world, is accepting teams for its Flag Football National Tournament scheduled for January 17 and 18, 2009 at Anthem Hills Park in Henderson, Nev. The deadline to register for the event is January 10.

Flag football is a version of American football. The basic rules of the game are similar to those of regular football, but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier; this is referred to as "deflagging" to end a down.

In most organized play, players wear a belt. Flag football was designed in an effort to minimize injuries. However, contact leagues have emerged, where offensive and defensive players can block in certain zones or downfield, adding to the many styles now associated with the game.

In the Flag Football National Tournament, game teams will include: men, women, and youth. There are several division categories. They include: Eight man contact: A, B and C divisions; Seven man no contact: A, B and C divisions; Four man no contact: A, B and C divisions; Over 35 divisions; Five man youth: 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10; and CoRec (men playing with women).

An organized flag football team is a winning team! Teams can register by calling: 1-877-369-3076; sending an e-mail to: staff@flagmag.com; or registering online at: http://www.flagmag.com/2008/09Nationals.asp.

The winners in each division will receive $1,000 to be used for the 10th Annual World Cup of Flag Football scheduled April 30 to May 3, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico.

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First-Round Pairings Set for T-Mobile Invitational National High School Basketball Tournament

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first-round pairings of boys and girls teams for the 2008 T-Mobile Invitational national high school basketball tournament have been announced by T-Mobile USA, Inc., and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The tournament will be broadcast live by CBS College Sports Network and will be played Dec. 29-30 at Worthen Arena on the campus of Ball State University. Play-by-play announcer Jason Knapp teams with analyst Steve Wolf to call the boys games and analyst Tammy Blackburn to call the girls games. In addition, CBS Sports will air a one-hour “T-Mobile Invitational 2008 Tournament Highlight Show” on Jan. 18, 2009 (1 p.m. EST).

MaxPreps.com, the official online partner of the T-Mobile Invitational, will offer replays of the full broadcast of all tournament games, available on demand 48 hours after the conclusion of each contest. Maxpreps.com will also provide video features on all the competing teams, as well as comprehensive highlight packages following each game.

The T-Mobile Invitational is the only basketball tournament sponsored by the NFHS, and the field is composed only of schools from NFHS-member associations. The NFHS’ 51 member associations oversee and administer athletic and fine arts activities within those states. Only high schools that are members of those state associations are allowed to compete for their respective state titles.

Leading off the Dec. 29 first-round girls games is a matchup between Gentry High School (Indianola, Miss.) and Bob Jones High School (Madison, Ala.). Gentry has won back-to-back Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A state titles, while Bob Jones High School claimed the 2008 Alabama Class 6A title with no seniors in its starting line-up. The second girls game pits two-time defending New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 1 champion University High School (Newark, N.J.) against Washington High School (South Bend, Ind.), which has earned an Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 4A state title and two runner-up finishes the past three years.

The first boys game features Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) High School, which began the season ranked No. 1 in multiple national preseason rankings, against South Atlanta High School (Atlanta). The second boys game features Garfield High School (Seattle) against Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis).

The winning teams will advance to the girls and boys championships on Dec. 30, with the consolation games to be played earlier that day.

The boys field features some of the top individual players in the country. South Atlanta’s Derrick Favors is the top-ranked big man in the country, according to nearly every expert’s list. The 6-foot-9 power forward averaged 23.7 points, 17.1 rebounds and 9.1 blocks as a junior. This year’s tourney also features the top-rated sophomore in the nation in Garfield’s 6-5 point guard Tony Wroten Jr. In addition to these two standouts, the 2008 T-Mobile Invitational field features at least eight other players who have committed to attend Division I universities including Louisville, Texas, Oklahoma State and Purdue.

The girls bracket also features some of the top players in the country. Leading the way is Washington High School’s Skylar Diggins, the top-rated point guard in the nation and a 2007–08 Parade Magazine first-team All-American performer. University High School’s Laurin Mincy brings equally impressive credentials to this year’s event. She was the first girl in New Jersey history to earn first-team all-state honors as a freshman and was named New Jersey Player of the Year as a sophomore.

“Once again, we have an outstanding field for the T-Mobile Invitational,” said Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS executive director. “We’re very pleased that the country will be able to see not only some of the nation’s best basketball players, but some of the top all-around student-athletes as well.”

“It just seems to get better every year,” said Mike Belcher, vice president of brand communications,

T-Mobile USA. “We’re excited about the quality of the teams, the quality of the individuals involved and being able to showcase it all for the fans watching in person in Muncie and those watching live around the country on CBS College Sports Network.”

In addition to the two days of games, all coaches and players of the participating schools will join together for a T-Mobile Huddle UpSM community service project on Dec. 28 designed to improve various elements of the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie (located at 1710 S. Madison St. in Muncie). T-Mobile Huddle Up is T-Mobile USA’s community outreach program connecting kids, primarily from single-parent families, in high-need urban communities to positive people, places and programs. T-Mobile Huddle Up focuses on addressing the critical need for safe, high-quality after-school programs for kids nationwide.

Here is the complete schedule of games (game times are approximate and subject to change). Game times are Eastern Standard Time:

Monday, Dec. 29


Girls:

Noon Gentry (Indianola, Miss.) vs. Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
3:30 p.m. University (Newark, N.J.) vs. Washington (South Bend, Ind.)


Boys:

1:45 p.m. South Atlanta (Atlanta) vs. Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas)
5:15 p.m. Garfield (Seattle) vs. Lawrence North (Indianapolis)


Tuesday, Dec. 30


Girls:

Noon Consolation game
3:30 p.m. Championship game


Boys:

1:45 p.m. Consolation game
5:15 p.m. Championship game

For ticket information, go to www.t-mobileinvitational.com.

The partnership between T-Mobile USA and the NFHS, the national leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities, strives to encourage student participation in interscholastic activities and emphasizes the importance of these programs in preparing students for life. In addition to the basketball tournament, the multiyear agreement between the NFHS and T-Mobile includes T-Mobile’s sponsorship of the NFHS annual student leadership conference, plus other initiatives and events. T-Mobile is the Official Telecommunications Partner of the NFHS.

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Two of Nation’s Top High School Basketball Players Headline 2008 T-Mobile Invitational

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two of the nation’s top high school basketball players - Derrick Favors of Atlanta (Georgia) South Atlanta High School and Skylar Diggins of South Bend (Indiana) Washington High School - headline the four boys teams and four girls teams set to compete in the 2008 T-Mobile Invitational national high school basketball tournament.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the eight-team field for this year’s event, which will be held December 29-30 at Ball State University’s Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. The NFHS-member Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) will serve as the tournament’s host state association. As such, two Indiana high schools were invited to participate in the tournament.

Favors, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound senior forward-center, and Diggins, a 5-9 senior guard, are considered to be among the nation’s top high school boys and girls basketball players, respectively.

South Atlanta High School, which has become a power in Georgia behind the physically imposing and athletic Favors, is expected to contend for the 2009 Georgia High School Association Class AAA state title. The multi-talented Diggins has led South Bend Washington to an IHSAA Class 4A state title and to two runner-up finishes in her first three varsity seasons.

Other boys teams participating are Duncanville (Texas) High School, Seattle (Washington) Garfield High School and Indianapolis (Indiana) Lawrence North High School.

Competing with South Bend Washington for the girls title will be Madison (Alabama) Bob Jones High School, Newark (New Jersey) University High School and Indianola (Mississippi) Gentry High School.

The T-Mobile Invitational is the only basketball tournament sponsored by the NFHS, and the field is composed only of schools from NFHS-member associations.

“We are looking forward to this year’s tournament,” said Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS executive director. “Not only does this event showcase some of the best teams and individuals in the country, but it also showcases the important role that activity programs play in high school education.”

“T-Mobile is proud to sponsor such a quality event,” said Mike Belcher, vice president of brand communications, T-Mobile USA. “The caliber of play is outstanding. And the caliber of individuals taking part is just as great.”

In addition to the two days of games, all coaches and players of the participating schools will join T-Mobile employees for a T-Mobile Huddle Up℠ community service project on December 28 designed to improve the after-school facilities at a local community-based organization or public school (site to be determined). T-Mobile Huddle Up is T-Mobile USA’s community outreach program connecting kids to positive people, places and programs. T-Mobile Huddle Up focuses on addressing the critical need for safe, high-quality, after-school programs for kids nationwide.

The inaugural T-Mobile Invitational was held in 2006 in Seattle with the nation’s No. 1-ranked girls team, Suwanee (Georgia) Collins Hill High School, and the boys team from Los Angeles (California) Fairfax High School taking home the championship trophies. The scene shifted to Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico’s “The Pit” for the 2007 T-Mobile Invitational. Set against that scenic Land of Enchantment backdrop, Jersey City (New Jersey) St. Anthony High School, ranked No. 1 in the nation, claimed the boys title, while Long Beach (California) Poly High School was the girls winner.

The partnership between T-Mobile and the NFHS, the national leadership organization for high school athletic and fine arts activities, strives to encourage student participation in interscholastic activities and emphasizes the importance of these programs in preparing students for life. In addition to the basketball tournament, the partnership between the NFHS and T-Mobile includes T-Mobile’s sponsorship of the NFHS annual national student leadership conference, plus other initiatives and events. T-Mobile is the Official Telecommunications Partner of the NFHS.

Here’s a closer look at the 2008 T-Mobile Invitational field:

Boys

Atlanta (Georgia) South Atlanta High School

Behind the prodigious play of Favors, South Atlanta compiled a 27-3 record in 2007-08 and was ranked No. 7 in Class AAA. The talented and multi-skilled forward-center averaged 23.7 points, 17.1 rebounds, 9.1 blocks, 3.6 steals and 2.7 assists as a junior last season and had 19 triple-doubles in 30 games. For his efforts, he was named Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Class AAA first-team all-state and second-team Parade All-American. Among the eight players South Atlanta returns in 2008-09 is 5-11 senior point guard Nick Watkins, who is ranked as one of the top guards in the state. The Hornets scored 80 points per game and held opposing teams to 50 points per game in 2007-08, and were ranked 15th in the nation at one point of the season by USA Today.

Duncanville (Texas) High School

The second-largest high school in the nation in terms of physical size, Duncanville (Texas) High School has put up some equally huge numbers on the boys basketball court. Duncanville went 35-2 in 2007-08, including a spotless 14-0 in district play. It lost to eventual state champion North Crowley in the regional final and finished the season ranked No. 5 in Class 5A. The top returning scorers for 2008-09 are 6-7 Shawn Williams (17 ppg) and 6-5 Roger Franklin (14.5 ppg), who both were named to the all-state team last season. The Panthers’ frontline is expected to be bolstered this winter by the addition of 6-10 junior transfer Perry Jones. Coach Phil McNeely, who has compiled a career record of 674-173 and led Duncanville to state titles in 1991, 1999 and 2007, was 2007 EA SPORTS National Coach of the Year and 2008 District 8-5A Basketball Coach of the Year.

Seattle (Washington) Garfield High School

Coming off a strong 17-9 season with a very young team featuring one of the nation’s top underclassmen, Seattle (Washington) Garfield looks to build on that success in 2008-09. The Bulldogs’ top four scorers and top four rebounders all return, led by highly touted 6-5 sophomore point guard Tony Wroten Jr. As a mere freshman, the precocious and well-rounded Wroten averaged 20.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game, all team-highs. Six-one senior guard De’andre Taylor, who collected 15.4 points, three assists and two steals per contest, led the squad in three-point field goals in 2007-08. Jaron Cox, a 5-9 senior guard, averaged 6.3 points and provides additional depth to the already talented backcourt, while 6-3 junior Wilson Platt toiled inside with averages of 5.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. The Bulldogs will be led by first-year coach Ed Haskins.

Indianapolis (Indiana) Lawrence North High School

Perennial Hoosier State power Indianapolis (Indiana) Lawrence North High School will field a very tall and talented team in 2008-09. The Wildcats will give opposing teams nightmares as they return a formidable trio of 6-9 players, including senior Stephan Van Treese, who is a four-year varsity player and is verbally committed to Louisville; senior Jeff Robinson, who has verbally committed to Purdue; and junior Dominique Ferguson, who is regarded as one of the nation’s top juniors. Coach Jack Keefer, who has been Lawrence North’s only boys basketball coach since it opened its doors in 1976-77, led the Wildcats to state titles in 1989, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Among the outstanding big men Keefer coached were Eric Montross and Greg Oden, both seven-footers who played in the National Basketball Association.

Girls

Madison (Alabama) Bob Jones High School

Madison (Alabama) Bob Jones defeated Clay-Chalkville, 48-42, to claim the 2008 Alabama High School Athletic Association girls Class 6A state title, the first state basketball championship in school history. In that state title game, Bob Jones (35-2) played seven players, all juniors who will return in 2008-09. Among them is Kylie Cook, who was named tournament MVP. Her twin sister, 5-10 guard-forward Kellie Cook, was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2008 All-State Basketball Team Super Five (all enrollment classes combined), as well as to the Class 6A first-team. Their classmate, 5-6 guard Jala Harris, was named Class 6A second-team all-state. Coach Tim Miller, who has compiled a 238-40 career record, also led Montgomery (Alabama) Jeff Davis High School to the 2006 state title and was named 2007-08 Class 6A coach of the year. Sports Illustrated recently named Bob Jones High School’s athletic program as the best in the state of Alabama.

Newark (New Jersey) University High School

Newark (New Jersey) University, which finished the 2007-08 season 27-4, has won back-to-back New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 1 state titles. Led by coach Felicia Oliver, University lost only one player from last year’s squad to graduation and returns 14 players for 2008-09. Leading the way is 6-0 junior Laurin Mincy, who was named first-team all-state as both a freshman (the first girl in New Jersey history to do so) and a sophomore and was named New Jersey Player of the Year as a sophomore. That season, the versatile Mincy averaged 19.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.9 blocks per game, and already has scored 1,318 points in her 66-game career. In addition, senior Nadirah McKenith was named both second-team all-state and first-team All-Group 1 last year.

Indianola (Mississippi) Gentry High School

Under the direction of coach Charles Williams, Indianola Gentry won MHSAA Class 4A state titles and MHSAA Grand Slam tournaments in both 2007 and 2008. Gentry defeated Yazoo County, 52-44, for the 2008 MHSAA Class 4A state title, and a week later, topped Class 5A state champion Jackson Murrah, 80-75, in double-overtime for the MHSAA Grand Slam championship. Multi-skilled 5-6 junior guard Brizannai Washington, who averaged 14.7 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals as a sophomore in 2007-08, was named Grand Slam player of the game. Finishing the season an unblemished 40-0, Gentry was ranked No. 7 in the ESPN High Elite 25 high school girls basketball rankings and No. 20 in the USA Today Super 25. Gentry is currently riding an 80-game winning streak, which ties the Mississippi high school state record.

South Bend (Indiana) Washington High School

Led by multi-talented 5-9 senior guard Skylar Diggins, South Bend Washington is expected to be one of the state’s top teams again this year. During her first three seasons, Diggins paced the Panthers to an amazing 76-6 record, an Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 4A state title and two runner-up finishes. As a junior, the versatile Diggins averaged 29.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.5 blocked shots. Diggins, who possesses long-range three-point shooting ability, was a Parade Magazine first-team All-American performer in 2007-08, and is expected to contend for national player of the year honors this year. Senior forward Takoia Larry, who scored 24 points in last year’s state championship game, averaged 10.9 points last season when she was named high honorable-mention all-state.

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Golden Moment: FLW Fantasy Fishing to Award First-Ever $1 Million Grand Prize in Fantasy Sports History in Atlanta on Aug. 21

PRNewswire -- Throngs of fishing fans and fantasy sports players from around the world will turn their attention to Atlanta on Aug. 21 when the first million dollar prize will be awarded in fantasy sports history. But don't assume it's for fantasy football. Because the biggest game in town is FLW Fantasy Fishing -- which will crown its first champion and award a guaranteed $1 million grand prize to a player who has accumulated the most points over a seven-tournament fantasy fishing season.

In its first season, FLW Fantasy Fishing has rocketed to the top of the fantasy sports world, gaining fans from all over the globe attracted to the game's $7.3 million in cash and prizes, representing the highest payout of any fantasy sports game in the world. FLW Fantasy Fishing, which is free, fun and easy to play, asks players to select 10 pro bass anglers from among the 200 anglers fishing the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the nation's premier professional bass tournament circuit, a series of seven tournaments that kicked-off in February 2008 and will climax with the Forrest Wood Cup, the crown jewel of professional bass fishing, during the weekend of Aug. 14-17, in Columbia, S.C.

"The response to FLW Fantasy Fishing has been phenomenal. It's only our first year but we've already attracted players from all over the world and have awarded prizes to players in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and believe it or not, Estonia," said Irwin Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors(R) and creator of FLW Fantasy Fishing. He added, "Atlanta is the perfect place to crown our first FLW Fantasy Fishing champion. It's a world city located in the heart of bass country. I can't wait to personally present a $1 million check to our grand prize winner."

FLW Fantasy Fishing will invite the top 15 overall points leaders to a suspense-filled event that will take place at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Ga., starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT. The $1 million bass pro champion of the Forrest Wood Cup will unveil the first $1 million champion of FLW Fantasy Fishing -- the player who has accumulated the most points over seven tournaments. In addition to the $1 million champion, the top 15 finalists will walk away with prizes such as a new Chevy Silverado (a $40,000 value), a $25,000 Wal-Mart gift card, a $20,000 BP gas card and a Ranger Z19 bass fishing boat (a $52,000 value). Also, the winner of the last tournament of the season will receive a check for $100,000.

The $1 Million FLW Fantasy Fishing event will begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT and conclude with a free concert sponsored by Centennial Olympic Park. The event is free and open to the public and will include free Berkley fishing rod and reel combos for the first 1,000 attendees and free FLW Fantasy Fishing t-shirts. A convoy of 15 Wal-Mart FLW Tour bass fishing rigs will bring each of the 15 FLW Fantasy Fishing finalists to the event.

FLW Fantasy Fishing has attracted a wide array of players such as a suburban mom from Little Rock, Ark., and an 18-year-old high school senior from San Francisco, both of whom won $100,000 for coming in first place during their respective FLW Fantasy Fishing tournaments conducted earlier this year. So far, after six FLW Fantasy Fishing tournaments, nearly 4,000 players around the globe have won prizes, including six players who each won $100,000 for coming in first place for each FLW Fantasy Fishing tournament.

"It's just like fantasy football, but with fish," said Shellee Kuykendall, winner of FLW Fantasy Fishing's sixth tournament. "But, unlike fantasy football, which my husband played all the time, the prizes are incredible and even someone like me, who doesn't know anything about fantasy sports or fishing, can play and win."

And, there's still a chance for anyone to grab some of those prizes -- even if you haven't entered any of FLW Fantasy Fishing's previous tournaments. With a deadline of Aug. 13 fast approaching, anyone (18 years or older) can enter the seventh and final tournament in the FLW Fantasy Fishing season. Fantasy fishing players will select 10 bass pros from among the 77 bass pros who will compete in the Forrest Wood Cup, the championship tournament in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. What's unique about this last tournament is that triple bonus points will be offered to players whose fantasy bass pros make it into the final round of the tournament, when the 10 best bass pros compete for $1 million.

For this seventh tournament, $100,000 will be awarded to the FLW Fantasy Fishing player who accumulates the most points based on the performance of his or her fantasy fishing team. About 580 other prizes will be awarded in addition to the $100,000 tournament prize.

In another twist, the $5 Million Exacta Seven Bonus, which is awarded to the first player to correctly rank the top seven anglers in a row, still remains unclaimed for the season. The odds of a player hitting the bonus in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour season finale are greatly improved as the Forrest Wood Cup championship features a reduced field of only the top 77 anglers versus the standard roster of 200 pro anglers.

How FLW Fantasy Fishing Works

FLW Fantasy Fishing is free to play and is open to adults, 18 and older, throughout the world, wherever it is legal to play. Participants log onto FantasyFishing.com and register to enter the game. Players can sign up any time during the season, up until Aug. 13, 2008, the day before the Forrest Wood Cup championship tournament.

Prior to each Wal-Mart FLW Tour tournament, FLW Fantasy Fishing participants select a fantasy team of 10 FLW pro bass anglers. Participants earn points for each tournament, based on the performance (placement in the designated tournament) of their fantasy team pro anglers. Participants can win prizes for an individual tournament as well as accumulate points over seven designated tournaments to be eligible for a $1 million cash prize, which will be awarded to the participant with the highest overall points for the season. Seven $100,000 first-place prizes go to the participants who earn the most points for each tournament. A $5 million bonus will be paid to the first player to correctly rank the top seven finishers in a tournament. Participants can subscribe to Player's Advantage to get the edge when selecting their team by accessing expert advice, inside information and cutting-edge statistical tools.

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The 6TH Annual Invitational for the First Tee Golf Tournament Returns to Callaway Gardens® October 2008

The 6th annual Invitational for The First Tee golf tournament is returning to Callaway Gardens (www.CallawayGardens.com) on October 12-14, 2008.

Event proceeds support chapters of The First Tee throughout the United States in its mission to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

“Callaway Gardens is renowned for its experience of hosting major golf events, including the PGA Tour’s Buick Challenge, for over a decade," said Edward Callaway, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation which owns Callaway Gardens. "Our 150-room Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens nicely complements both the Mountain View and Lake View golf courses, and October is a spectacular time to be here. We look forward to another great tournament and a long and rewarding relationship with the Invitational for The First Tee."

For more information on Callaway Gardens, please call 1-800-543-7121 or visit www.callawaygardens.com. For information on tournament sponsorship opportunities and team entries, please contact Mr. Jim Thompson at 404-308-8231 or email at jt@golflogistics.com.

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Callaway Gardens® Presents The First Divots® Fall Classic Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Divots Sportswear® and Callaway Gardens® (www.CallawayGardens.com) announce the first ever Divots® Fall Classic Pro-Am golf tournament featuring a $50,000* purse on September 7-8, 2008, in Pine Mountain, Ga.

Divots and Callaway Gardens, the site of 12 PGA Tour™ events and 13 Club Pro Challenges, are teaming together for a fun, challenging and affordable event for golf professionals and team players with amenities and rewards built-in.

This three-day golf getaway is designed for club or teaching professionals (cannot be a member of any major or developmental tour during calendar year 2008). Take advantage of the beautiful Georgia setting at Callaway Gardens® and golf with the Pros.

Registration is only $3,300 per foursome and is all-inclusive, including lodging (double occupancy in two-bedroom/four bed cottage); Sunday through Tuesday meals and receptions; three rounds of golf including carts; daily use of Twin Oaks Golf Practice Facility with unlimited range balls; tee gifts; trophies and prizes.

Deadline for team registration with full payment is August 1, 2008, after deadline registration is $1,175 per person.

The event opens Sunday, September 7, with the Yamaha Golf Car Company Opening Reception at 6:00 p.m. The golf tournament will be played Monday and Tuesday on both the Dick Wilson designed Mountain View course and the J. B. McGovern designed Lake View course. The Divots Awards Presentation will take place on the clubhouse lawn at the tournament conclusion Tuesday afternoon.

To register your team for the Divots Fall Classic Pro-Am or to request more information, contact JT Thompson at 404-308-8231 or jt@golflogistics.com.

*Based on a full field of 54 teams.

Mayor Franklin and Hank Aaron Host 11th Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament

Mayor Franklin and Hank Aaron Host the 11th Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament to raise funds for Camp Best Friends and the Mayor’s Youth Program.

Camp Best Friends gives young people a chance to experience a broad range of activities through quality programming during the summer months. Parents appreciate knowing that in addition to having fun, their children are safe and engaged in educational, recreational and cultural experiences that lead to positive youth development.

The Mayor’s Youth Program helps high school seniors by providing hands-on assistance in planning for life after high school whether its college, technical school, the military or the workforce.

Heritage Golf Club
4445 Britt Rd
Tucker, GA 30084

Monday, June 9, 2008

8:00 am Practice & Putting Contest
9:15 am Shotgun Start
2:00 pm Million Dollar Shoot Out
2:15 pm Lunch and live auction

U.S. Kids Golf European Championship: the World’s Youngest Players on the World’s Oldest Links

BUSINESS WIRE--The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship teed off today in Gullane, Scotland, with more than 480 kids aged seven through 14 from 34 countries competing in the birthplace of golf. The tournament, the first U.S. Kids Golf competition held outside the United States, runs through Friday.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony in the Concorde Hanger at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, part of the “golf coast” near the Scottish capitol of Edinburgh, paid tribute to the international nature of the event, with 34 representatives bearing a flag from each of their respective countries.

The tournament is spread over five courses in East Lothian, with a specific age group playing the same course throughout the event. Players are divided by age, with boys competing in brackets by ages seven through 14, and girls divided into brackets by ages eight through 14.

The culmination of the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship will be the Van Horn Cup on Friday. Modeled after the famed Ryder Cup tournament that matches a team of Europeans against Americans, the Van Horn Cup pits teams of European players against teams composed of players from outside of Europe.

Gullane Golf Club in East Lothian is serving as the host course for the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship. Built in 1898, Gullane has been a qualifying venue for the British Open Championship, with a stunning view across Aberlady Bay to Edinburgh, where the first recorded game of golf was played in 1452. The beautiful Scottish countryside surrounding the courses is steeped in golf's traditions. A course in nearby North Berwick hosts the world’s oldest junior tournament, established in 1868. The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship is also being played on nearby courses in Craigielaw, Kilspindie, and Luffness New.

Although the game itself will be familiar, young players will see a few differences. The big bunkers and windy conditions on Scottish courses can be a challenge. In Scotland, golf is treated a little more formally than in the United States. Jackets and ties are required for clubhouse entry, and denim, cargo shorts, and tennis shoes are a definite no-no. Players are also expected to remove hats and caps when entering clubhouses.

The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship is the first of many planned regional championships around the world. U.S. Kids Golf is committed to growing the game and eventually hopes to reach one million youngsters across the globe.

U.S. Kids Golf is the largest producer of junior golf equipment for ages 14 and under in the world. At the time of its founding, golf clubs for smaller swings were typically adult clubs cut down and retrofitted for children. The heavier weight made the clubs more difficult to handle, hurting developing swings and discouraging budding players. U.S. Kids Golf clubs are 30 percent lighter, generating the faster club speed needed for quick improvement in young hands.

After the company was launched, it expanded from its product line into instruction and tournament sponsorship. Holding its first tournament in 2000 with 250 players, U.S. Kids Golf continued growing to more than 400 events each year, with the 2007 World Championship bringing more than 1,100 players from 34 countries.

To U.S. Kids Golf, the sport is more than a game. Golf is a metaphor for life, a way to teach patience, discipline, and how to overcome adversity. Golf also brings families together in a common pursuit that can provide opportunities to teach values like honesty and integrity. At U.S. Kids Golf events, parents and grandparents serve as caddies. Behavior standards are enforced by officials. The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship is the first step in that commitment.

For more information, visit www.uskidsgolf.com.

Lazers '94 Girls Premier - 2008 President's Cup Champs

SSG Note: Congratulations to our local Fayette girls for this achievement. Click on the link to read the entire story!

The Lazers ’94 Girls Premier team played strong over the May 10-11 weekend and gave their Mothers excellent appreciation gifts – a win in the Georgia Soccer President’s Cup State Championship tournament. As champions the team will represent Georgia against champions from 12 other states at the Regional President’s Cup the June 13 weekend....

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