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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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Governor Perdue Places Friendly Wager With President George W. Bush on Little League Softball Game
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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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Thursday, August 6, 2009
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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Monday, July 27, 2009
Fayette: New Youth Air Rifle Club Sets Open Registration Date
Fayette County Shooting Sports has announced the date of the first parent’s orientation and open registration which will be held on August 8, 2009 at Autrey’s Armory in Fayetteville at 10:00 am. Parent’s interested in learning more about the programs that will be offered for youth’s age 9 to 15 are encouraged to attend this informative session. More information will also be available at www.eteamz.com/fcss.
Fayette County Shooting Sports will offer in its inaugural season a one day basic air rifle safety course and an 8-week Junior Olympic style four position development program.
The basic safety course is tailored to those who have or will soon have an air rifle for home use, but it’s also a pre-requisite for participating in the four position development program.
The four position development program is for those who simply want to improve their marksmanship skills as well as those who want to experience the excitement of air rifle competitions and possibly realize their Olympic dreams.
The club has six USA Shooting Level 1 Coaches, which is the governing body of the nation’s Olympic shooting program.
Although the club is new to Fayette County, Club President Todd Day stated he "would like for everyone to know that the leadership of this club has been working together for years as leaders in the local scout program and as instructors and range safety officers for the ranges at the Boy Scout’s Camp Thunder in Molena, GA. "
Day continued, “We look forward to the opportunity to bring the air rifle program to Fayette County. We spent a lot of time last year at Camp Thunder working with boys from all over this region but at one point we realized that over 30 boys participating in that multi-county program were from right here in Fayette.”
Another reason that Day gave for starting this new program was that it will enable the club to meet more often and to offer those who want to enter the competitive side of the sport a better opportunity to compete with different organizations. It will also open up an opportunity for the girls to compete.
Air Rifle programs have a very safe track record; many clubs advertise that it’s the safest sport a child could sign up for. These clubs also serve a bigger purpose than training future Olympians. The programs teach self discipline, emotional control, concentration, goal setting, teamwork and fair play to name a few life skills. It’s also one of only a few sports that the girls compete against the boys and often win. Strength, size and coordination are often not a measure of success in this program. Desire and work ethic are much more important to success.
For more information, visit the club’s website at www.eteamz.com/fcss.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thrashers Re-Sign Restricted Free Agent Defenseman Boris Valabik
The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Boris Valabik to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Valabik, 23, recorded five assists and 132 penalty minutes in 50 games with the Thrashers last season. He recorded his first career NHL point (assist) on Dec. 10 vs. the New York Rangers and registered a season-high three-game point streak from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23, posting three assists in that span.
The 6-7, 240-pound defenseman has appeared in 57 career NHL games with Atlanta, earning five assists and 174 penalty minutes. Valabik has also played in 119 career games for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League where he has registered 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) and 434 penalty minutes. During the 2008 post-season, he tallied four points (three goals, one assist) and helped the Wolves capture the Calder Cup Championship.
Prior to his professional career, Valabik accumulated 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) and 725 penalty minutes in 163 career games with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. The Nitra, Slovakia, native has represented his country in international competition four times, including the 2009 World Championships as well as the 2005 and 2006 World Junior Championships and the 2004 World Under-18 Championships.
Valabik was selected by the Thrashers in the first round, 10th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Emory Teams Up With National Football League Player Care Program
The Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital is one of five hospitals chosen to participate in the NFL’s new spine treatment program for retired players. The program is designed to make specialists available to evaluate and treat spine-related conditions.
Each hospital in the program provides an orthopaedic spine surgeon who serves as program director and coordinates the services of a team of health care professionals in the evaluation and treatment of the former players. The Emory team includes John Heller, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, as program director; Gerald Rodts, MD, neurosurgeon and Michael Schaufele, MD, physiatrist.
“We are pleased to be selected by the NFL as the southeast regional comprehensive spine care program,” says Scott Boden, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center. “Our center has 16 physicians dedicated to every aspect of spine care.”
The program, part of the NFL Player Care Plan, is available to retired players vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle pension plan.
Other hospitals selected include Mt. Sinai (New York), UCLA Health Systems (Los Angeles), University of California at San Francisco and Washington University (St. Louis).
In 2008, Emory participated in another program sponsored by the NFL Player Care Plan – a heart screening for retired players.
Interested players should contact the NFL Player Care Plan to connect with the appropriate program director who may initiate a course of treatment.
Retired NFL players may also find additional information on medical and benefits programs at www.nflplayercare.com.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Thrashers Sign 2009 First-Round Draft Choice Evander Kane
The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Evander Kane, the team’s first round (fourth overall) choice in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Kane, 17, recorded 96 points (48 goals, 48 assists) in 61 games for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League last season. He led the WHL in power play goals (23), ranked second in goals and game-winning goals (10), and placed fourth in points. He led the Giants in goals, ranked second in points, and finished third in assists and plus/minus rating (plus-51). He added 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff games while leading his team to the WHL Western Conference Finals. He was named to the 2009 WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and also competed in the CHL Top Prospects Game.
The 6-1, 185-pound left wing won a Gold Medal with Team Canada during the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, recording six points (two goals, four assists) in six games. The World Junior Championships marked his second international Gold Medal in six months after winning the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Slovakia as a member of Canada’s Under-18 team.
Kane has posted 138 points (73 goals, 65 assists) and a plus-73 rating in 134 career WHL games with Vancouver. He has added 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 32 post-season games with the Giants. A native of Vancouver, Kane made his WHL debut in 2006-07, scoring one goal in eight regular-season games and appearing in five post-game contests en route to capturing the Memorial Cup Championship.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Thrashers Sign Unrestricted Free Agents Anthony Stewart and Noah Welch
The Atlanta Thrashers have signed unrestricted free agent forward Anthony Stewart and unrestricted free agent defenseman Noah Welch, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Stewart, 24, has recorded 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 105 career NHL games with Florida and 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 130 American Hockey League games with Rochester and San Antonio. The 6-2, 240-pound center appeared in 59 games with the Florida Panthers last season, recording seven points (two goals, five assists).
Prior to his professional career, the La Salle, Quebec, native played four seasons of junior hockey with Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League from 2001-02 to 2004-05. He appeared in 248 regular season games with the Frontenacs, earning 238 points (118 goals, 120 assists) and added seven points (three goals, four assists) in six OHL post-season contests. He was originally selected by Florida in the first round, 25th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Welch, 26, has seen action in 73 career NHL games with Pittsburgh, Florida and Tampa Bay, recording nine points (four goals, five assists). The 6-4, 220-pound defenseman has earned 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists) in 122 AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Rochester. The Brighton, Mass., native appeared in 40 NHL games last season with Florida and Tampa Bay, recording two points (one goal, one assist) and also tallied three assists in seven AHL games with the Rochester.
Prior to his professional career, Welch played four seasons of college hockey at Harvard University (ECAC) from 2001-02 to 2004-05. He registered 76 points (23 goals, 53 assists) in 129 games with the Crimson and was named to the NCAA East First All-American Team following his senior season. Welch was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fayette County to Host the Georgia Games' 2009 Lacrosse Championships
The Georgia State Games will be bringing their annual State Games Championship to Peachtree City this summer for the Youth Lacrosse Tournament.
Each participant gets a free commemorative t-shirt and top athletes receive bronze, silver or gold medals! The tournament will be held at the Peachtree City Baseball and Soccer Complex, and all middle and high school teams are encouraged to come out and compete for the gold!
The Georgia Games is a non-profit organization created as a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games that took place here in Atlanta. The goal was to keep the Olympic Dream alive in the hearts and minds of Georgians, something the Georgia Games is proud to say they have been able to do for 19 years!
The Georgia will also be bringing back the Scholastic Olympiad Program again for the 4th year. The program is a statewide competition between schools in all divisions. Our middle and high school athletes can earn points based on four criteria for their school. Points are then totaled for each individual in each sport and given to their respective school. The top three schools in each division then receive a grant!
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
Charity Golf Tournament benefits Community Welcome House July 23
Calling all Golfers!
Thursday, July 23, 2009 GOLFERS needed at Orchard Hills Golf Club in Newnan, GA.
Community Welcome House needs your support. This is one way each of you can make a difference.
"Ending domestic violence one family at a time" ; this year alone we have received 157 calls for help.
Is there a trend with the economy? Yes! Can one person make a difference, Yes!
$50.00 a golfer or $200.00 a team. Please Help!
Registration and lunch at 1:00pm Shot Gun Start at 2:00pm.
We need you!
lindakirk@charter.net
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
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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Friday, June 12, 2009
Thrashers Youth Goaltending Camp to be Held June 15-19 at Duluth IceForum
The Atlanta Thrashers will host their 2009 youth goaltending camp from June 15-19 at the team’s practice facility, the Duluth IceForum. Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen, forward Eric Boulton and Assistant Coach Steve Weeks will be on hand at select times throughout the week to work the camp attendees.
The Atlanta Thrashers hockey camps provide the ultimate mix of hard work and fun. On-and-off the ice, the camp promotes teamwork, discipline, leadership and progressive skill training. All elements of the curriculum focuses on the end result of providing a fun yet challenging experience for all campers.
WHAT: 2009 Atlanta Thrashers Youth Goaltending Camp
WHO: Forward Eric Boulton (Tues., 12:30-2:30 p.m.), Goaltender Kari Lehtonen (Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.)
Assistant Coach Steve Weeks
WHEN: June 15-19
WHERE: Duluth IceForum, 2300 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097
Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thrashers Re-Sign Defenseman Anssi Salmela
The Atlanta Thrashers have resigned defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Salmela, 24, recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in 26 NHL games last season with New Jersey and Atlanta. He made his North American debut with the Devils on Oct. 10 vs. the NY Islanders and recorded his first-career point with an assist on Nov. 12 vs. the Rangers. Salmela, who was acquired by the Thrashers for Niclas Havelid and Myles Stoesz on March 2, scored his first-career NHL goal in his second game with Atlanta on March 16 vs. Washington. He posted three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games with the Thrashers following the trade.
The 6-1, 200-pound defenseman also appeared in 40 American Hockey League games with Lowell and Chicago, posting 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists). Salmela played for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World Championships last month, scoring one goal in seven games. Salmela was originally signed by the Devils as a free agent on May 30, 2008.
Prior to his North American career, the Nokia, Finland native spent four seasons in the Finish Elite League, recording 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) in 208 games with Tappara Tampere and Lahti.
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Al Horford to Participage in Basketball Without Borders 2009
NBA/FIBA coaches and players to train and mentor over 150 top players from three continents
U.S. Olympians Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, and Dwight Howard, along with the Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford will headline Basketball without Borders 2009 it was announced today by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Basketball without Borders (BWB) is the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development program that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness. The camps will be held in Beijing, China, Mexico City, Mexico and Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Basketball without Borders helps us to grow the game of basketball and bring attention to important social issues that affect communities around the world,” said Kathleen Behrens, NBA Executive Vice President, Social Responsibility and Player Programs. “We know that by teaching the values of the game - teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, and healthy living our current and former players and coaches can also make a lasting impact on communities in need.”
Two NBA players will bring the camp to their home countries this summer. Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will lead Basketball without Borders Asia in Beijing, China July 30 to Aug. 2 and Basketball without Borders Americas will feature Eduardo Najera of the New Jersey Nets in Mexico City, Mexico from Aug. 6 to 9. Atlanta’s Al Horford will join Najera in Mexico City. For the seventh consecutive year, Basketball without Borders Africa will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from Sept. 2 to 6 starring Boozer, Bosh, Howard and Slam Dunk champion New York Knicks’ Nate Robinson.
“Basketball without Borders is a unique program in that it emphasizes more than basketball skills in top-young talent” said FIBA Development Director Zoran Radovic. “Campers benefit from both the highest level of basketball instruction and they are also equipped with the tools to make a positive impact among their peers and become role-models in their communities.”
The top youth players 19 and under from Asia, Latin America and Africa, as selected by the NBA, FIBA and participating federations, will train under NBA players and coaches and compete against their peers. Campers will be divided into teams independent of race, religion or nationality to promote friendship and diversity. NBA players will partner with local community groups to lead daily life-skills sessions focusing on the importance of education, leadership, character development, health and wellness. Through NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility initiative, NBA players and coaches will participate in extensive community outreach programs with local non-profit organizations including the creation of places for children and families to live, learn or play.
Nike, a BWB partner since 2002, will again outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel. “Basketball without Borders teaches young basketball players the importance of hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship,” said George Raveling, Global Director, Nike Basketball Sports Marketing. “These are all vital attributes to the young campers, which will serve them well in the future both on and off the court, and we are proud to be working with the NBA and FIBA to promote these values.”
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Atlanta Thrashers Become First NHL Club to Implement USA Hockey’s American Development Model into Local Youth Hockey Programming
The Atlanta Thrashers, and its Youth Hockey Development Team, fully support USA Hockey and will be the first NHL club to implement its recently-launched American Development Model into local youth programming, including the Junior Thrashers program and Thunder AAA Hockey Club (Tier 1 AAA youth hockey).
USA Hockey created the American Development Model in conjunction with the National Hockey League to provide a blueprint for youth hockey associations throughout the country for optimal athlete development. The ADM concept has never been done before in the United States and will help influence increased participation by providing a better overall experience for the player, regardless of ability level.
The Thrashers have long-standing ties to USA Hockey, led by Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell, and have been a staunch supporter of youth hockey development since the team’s inception in 1999.
“USA Hockey’s American Development Model is an initiative that is a priority for all NHL member clubs located in the United States,” commented Waddell. He went on to say, “This undertaking is an exciting opportunity for all of us involved in youth hockey and we look forward to working with USA Hockey and being a host city for the program model at every age level.”
“The ADM is based on age-appropriate training methods and we’re excited about is implementation because it will positively affect our children,” said Ken Martel, Director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model. “We’re grateful to the Thrashers for their support and know the people of Atlanta and surrounding communities will enjoy learning more about the ADM.”
The Thrashers Youth Hockey Development Team, led by Darren Eliot (Community Hockey Liaison), Reagan Carey (Director of Hockey Development), Chris Uber (Manager of Hockey Development) and Misha Donskov (Coaching Coordinator), has implemented various programs and furthered many philosophies aimed at growing the game of hockey, including:
--Running over 245 clinics per season
--Providing award winning content on atlantathrashers.com
--Hosting the first of its kind Jr. NHL All –Star Tournament in 2008
--Developing its own internal and USA Hockey recognized Instructor Orientation Program
--Running USA Hockey’s Coaching Certification Program in the Atlanta market
--Providing an abundance of supplemental resources to augment the coaches’ efforts.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Auditions for Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers Set for Sunday, June 7
Fabulous Finalists Mixer slated for June 11; Final Auditions set for June 13
The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are looking for talented, enthusiastic individuals with a love of performing to become part of the 2009-10 squad. Preliminary auditions are slated for Sunday, June 7 on the Philips Arena Practice Court. Registration begins at 11 a.m.
The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are a group of energetic, personable and talented dancers who perform at Hawks home games and hundreds of community events each year. Those planning on trying out should be at least 19 years of age and bring a recent photograph (photos will not be returned), a copy of a valid driver’s license, a light lunch and drink, completed application and waiver form, and dance résumé. Attire should be a two-piece leotard, skin-toned/matte tights, socks, and sneakers or dance shoes. Cost is $25 per person to audition.
More information regarding the auditions, along with registration forms, can be found online at www.hawks.com or by calling (404) 878-3800. Final auditions are set for Saturday, June 13.
A pre-audition prep clinic is being offered on Thursday, May 28 (6 – 9 p.m.) in the Turner Athletic Club Aerobics Room at CNN Center. The clinic will consist of dance instruction and a Q&A session with members of last year’s squad and team management. Cost is $25 per person and application materials are available at www.hawks.com.
Additionally, the team will host a special “meet and greet” with the finalists on Thursday, June 11. All of Atlanta will be invited to The Fabulous Finalists Mixer (location TBA), where fans can meet and mingle with the dancers, who will be available for photos and autographs. More details about final auditions and The Fabulous Finalists Mixer will be released in the near future.
Preliminary auditions are closed for viewing to the general public. Media wishing to attend should contact the Hawks Media Relations Department at (404) 878-3800.
Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets are on sale now at just $55 down per month and can be purchased by visiting the Hawks website or by calling 1-866-715-1500. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Mathematics of Hitting Streaks
By Chris Gorski
Inside Science News Service
The 30-game hitting streak of Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman came to an end Wednesday, after a hitless game against the San Francisco Giants. He is, however, one of only 21 players have hit in 30 straight games in the past 50 years.
The rarity of such a streak means it could be the longest in major league baseball not just for this season, but for years to come.
It’s impossible to predict how long any streak will continue. Many baseball players depend on superstition to keep hitting streaks going - the “lucky socks” theory. Scientists, specifically statisticians, rely on hard numbers to predict the future. Neither group has developed a reliable forecasting method because superstition can’t be quantified and, as it turns out, there is an as-yet unexplained factor in hitting streaks that defies the best statistical models.
Trent McCotter, a baseball historian, published an article in the 2008 Baseball Research Journal explaining that considerably more hitting streaks have actually occurred than statistical models predict. That simple finding is raising questions about both baseball and the field of statistics.
Mathematicians usually compute the chances of a hitting streak by multiplying a player's chance of getting a hit in any given game, about 76 percent for a .300 hitter, by itself repeatedly. McCotter examined the real historical record of hitting streaks. Then, he took each individual season of every player from 1957 to 2006 and pulled out all the games where players did not record at bats. He used a computer to reorder the remaining games 10,000 times and calculated the average number of streaks.
He counted far more hitting streaks in real life than in his model. McCotter couldn't find any numerical explanation for the discrepancy.
"We've kind of gotten rid of all these obvious things that might explain it, so what else is there?,” he said. “[A player's] probability of a hitting streak isn't what it might seem given the final batting average at the end of the year.”
This leaves statisticians with a number of possibilities that are difficult to study mathematically. A hitting streak could affect the behavior of the hitter, the pitcher, managers, or even the official scorer, who determines if plays are hits or errors.
Steven Strogatz, a professor of applied mathematics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, said "first the dogma was that players are hot, players have streaks. Then the dogma was, no that's not right, everything is just coin flipping. And so, McCotter is saying, no, that's not right either. It's not just coin-flipping, there is some correlation from game to game, that players do something to keep their streaks going."
The longest hitting streak in baseball history is Joe DiMaggio's legendary 56 gamer in 1941. Strogatz investigated the probability that anyone in baseball history would have achieved a similar record. What he found indicates that, no matter the underlying reason, the odds of anyone challenging DiMaggio are long indeed, as Zimmerman can now testify. Though not as unlikely as many had previously suggested, statistically speaking streaks longer than 55 games should happen about once every 500 years.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Team Reality Goes to Regional Climbing Championship
Team Reality finished the regular sport climbing season with competitions in Gainesville Florida, Charlotte North Carolina and Suwanee Georgia. The team competed in seven categories, Male Youth A, B, C and D, and Female Youth B, C and D.
The results of the three competitions respectfully were: Madison Altman (4th, 5th, 4th), MasAnne Fulmer (6th, 14th, 9th), Ryan Lowther (3rd, 2nd, 7th), Ben Mechelke (na, 6th, 11th), Andrew Nagy (7th, na, 9th), Billy Porter (2nd, 3rd, 2nd), Caleb Robertson (8th, na, 6th), Will Sport (5th, 6th, 11th), Carly Triana (4th, 16th, 10th), Ben Watson (2nd, 3rd, 5th), Victoria White (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Jessica Wurst (na, 11th, 6th) and Jonathan Wurst (5th, 6th, 12th).
The individual overall Regional standings going into the Championship are: 1st Billy Porter, Victoria White and Ben Watson, 2nd Ryan Lowther, 3rd Madison Altman and Will Sport, 4th Jonathan Wurst, 5th Caleb Robertson and Jessica Wurst, 7th Ben Mechelke and Carly Triana, 8th MasAnne Fulmer and Andrew Nagy.
The top six climbers in each category at the Southeast Regional Championship will be invited to compete at the 2009 Divisional Championship in Melbourne Florida on the 13th and 14th of June. The top six at the Divisional Championship will be invited to compete at the USA Climbing National Championship in Sandy Utah, 10-13 July. This is the largest rope climbing competition in the world. Last year Team Reality climbers Billy Porter and Victoria White competed at the Nationals and this year they want to go back again with more of their teammates.
This is an exciting time for these young athletes and their sport! Rock climbing became a college sport this year with 45 schools fielding teams in the Collegiate Climbing Series. USA Climbing is part of the International Federation of Sport Climbing and has been endorsed by the US and International Olympic committees, one of the steps needed to turn sport climbing into an Olympic event. The goal is to have sport climbing in the 2016 Olympics which means the timing is perfect for these climbers from an age standpoint. Follow the Team Reality climbers’ progress through the championships at Reality Climbing (www.gorockclimb.com) or at USA Climbing (www.usaclimbing.net).
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Fifth Annual Golf for Life Tournament, June 5
The Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center will host the 5th Annual Golf for Life Tournament on June 5 at 1:00 pm at Orchard Hills Golf Club in Newnan. Fayette PRC is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of pregnant women and teens in crisis. $95. for a single/ $375. for a foursome includes greens fees, cart, range balls, goody bag, Sprayberry’s BBQ dinner, great door prizes. Fort Lauderdale format, with Mizuno equipment prizes for the top three foursomes. Call 678-234-5550 to register, or register online at www.fayetteprc.com.
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geneRACEtion 5K Run / Walk May 16th
The geneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk was created to raise awareness and funds for two-nonprofits, Rainbows, which serves children grieving from death or divorce, and the Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc., which serves seniors with the Meals on Wheels and other programs. These non-profits provide services for metro Atlantans across the age spectrum, thus the event name, geneRACEtion.
The run/walk will take place Saturday, May 16, 2009. The run will begin at 8:00am and the walk will begin at 8:15am at Grant Park near the Zoo Atlanta entrance.
Entry Fees for the 5K: $25 pre-registration by May 13, 2009; $30 for late and race day registration.
To register online please visit www.active.com (keyword: geneRACEtion).
Awards will be given to overall female/male; overall masters female/male. Top female/male in each age group: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60 & over.
If you have further questions, please contact Steve Hargrove at 404-605-8450 or by email at shargrove@scsatl.org . For more information about Rainbows, Senior Citizen Services and the geneRACEtion 5K, please visit www.geneRACEtion.org.
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