Hotter Temperatures Mean More Hit Batsmen in Baseball

During spring training, Major League pitchers work on fine-tuning their mechanics and strengthening their legs so they don't break down during the dog days of summer.

It's doubtful these pitchers will give much thought to what the July heat might do to their brains, but perhaps they should.

A new study led by researchers from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business has found pitchers whose teammates get hit by a pitch are more likely to retaliate and plunk an opposing batter when the temperature reaches 90 degrees than when it is cooler. But if no one has been hit in the game, then high temperatures have little effect on a pitcher's behavior.

"We found that heat does not lead to more aggression in general," said Richard Larrick, a management professor at Fuqua. "Instead, heat affects a specific form of aggression. It increases retribution."

Major League statistics show there were 1,549 incidents of hit batsmen last season, an average of .64 hit-by-pitch incidents per game. Most pitchers are not intentionally beaning batters, as a hit batsman automatically proceeds to first base and increases the chances that his team will score, Larrick said. Despite that advantage, pitchers and team managers admit they sometimes target batters on purpose.

"When a batter is hit by the opposing team, his teammates don't know if it was an accident or deliberate," said Larrick, who also holds an appointment in the department of psychology and neuroscience. "We think hotter temperatures make a pitcher more likely to see the action as deliberate and hostile. And once a pitcher feels provoked, hotter temperatures increase feelings of revenge."

The study, which appears in the March 2011 issue of the journal Psychological Science, examined 57,293 Major League Baseball games from 1952 through 2009 -- roughly 4.5 million matchups between a pitcher and a hitter. Temperature was more predictive of struck batsmen if the opposing team's pitcher had already beaned one or more hitters. For example, if temperatures were in the 50s during a game, there was a 22 percent chance a pitcher would hit a batter if a precipitating pitch occurred in the first inning of a game. When temperatures were in the 90s, the retaliation risk rose to 27 percent.

To make sure other factors weren't confounding the link between temperature and hit batsmen, the researchers analyzed variables that might affect a pitcher's performance, including indicators of pitcher inaccuracy such as wild pitches, and other measures such as errors by the team, the year the game was played, where the game was played, inning and score.

"It was important to sort out whether heat tends to increase aggressive behavior, such as retribution, or whether it leads pitchers to be less accurate with their pitches," said Larrick.

Larrick, a longtime St. Louis Cardinals fan, first examined the link between heat and pitcher retaliation as a graduate student, but couldn't amass enough data -- at least not by poring through microfilms. He decided to revisit the question more recently because historical play-by-play game transcripts have been posted online by dedicated baseball fans.

As an expert in behavioral science, Larrick expected to find a connection between heat and aggression. "There are decades of research showing heat leads to aggression, like finding more violent crime in the summer," he said. "But in crime statistics, it's hard to really determine if it's heat or other things. One of the nice things about studying baseball is that we're able to control for factors besides heat."

Larrick said he was surprised that the "a batter for a batter" tradition of retaliation does not always hold. "Baseball fans will tell you the sport's code of honor dictates you're supposed to hit a player on the other team when your player has been hit," he said. "Nobody seems to be aware that players apply the rule much more at high temperatures than at cool temperatures."

Other authors of the study include Andrew Carton of Fuqua; Thomas A. Timmerman, Tennessee Technological University; and Jason Abrevaya, University of Texas.
The research report is available online at: http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/02/23/0956797611399292.full.pdf+htm

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Fiesta Atlanta Announces 5K Race Benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Lanza Group, LLC is announcing the inaugural Fiesta Atlanta 5 Que?, a 5k race/walk to Fiesta Atlanta. Fiesta Atlanta celebrates Cinco de Mayo and Latino culture with a daylong music festival on Sunday, May 1. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has been selected to be the beneficiary of the race.

"Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a natural beneficiary for the race," says Lanza Group President Ralph E. Herrera. "They serve an overwhelming percentage of Hispanics in Atlanta, and a great way for us to raise awareness and give back to the community at large."

The Fiesta Atlanta 5 Que? race encourages the Hispanic community and all families to participate in healthy, active lifestyles. The 5k race will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. in Centennial Olympic Park, with live music and an awards ceremony. Portions of the proceeds will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and their mission to helping kids get back to being kids. Please visit our race registration page on active.com to register.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a not-for-profit pediatric health care system that strives to enhance the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Offering access to more than 30 pediatric specialties, Children's manages more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 17 neighborhood locations and is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country.

Fiesta Atlanta, the Southeast's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration, is a free, daylong festival that includes a full day of live Latin music on two stages, with national and local recording artists. The children's stage lineup includes lively, colorful acts including Mexican folkloric dancers, clowns, musicians and storytellers. Artists will be selling handmade crafts while vendors will be selling delicious Latin foods.

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Georgia's Cyclists are Pedaling Hard to Stop Diabetes at Local Tour de Cure Event

/PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to reduce the growing prevalence of diabetes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), is the premiere sponsor of the Atlanta Tour de Cure® (TDC) on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn, Georgia. This multi-faceted ride is the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) annual national cycling event benefitting diabetes research and advocacy to help change the future of diabetes and help stop its devastating complications.

The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure event is more than just a fun day outdoors. Participating in the Tour is about giving hope to the 26 million people currently living with diabetes, as well as to their families and their friends – ultimately finding a cure and preventing the threat faced by the 57 million Americans currently at risk.

To further enhance this commitment, Morgan Kendrick, BCBSGa president has been appointed as the Tour's Executive Sponsor, where he will be responsible for communicating the importance of BCBSGa's partnership with the ADA to both internal and external audiences throughout the state, in addition to serving as a corporate contact for other companies interested in joining the event.

"I am honored to serve as the Executive Sponsor and have already joined our BCBSGa Blue Blazers team," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGa. "In fact, we are encouraging our employees to support this cause by joining our cycling team or to volunteer their time at the event. The Tour provides a great opportunity for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's employees to join together for a day of fun, fitness and entertainment."

"More than likely we all know someone impacted by diabetes," continued Kendrick. "I know that's true for me and true for a majority of our 3,200 employees across the state. We really want Georgians to know that we've joined the movement to stop diabetes."

Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family and friends will be taking the ride of their life and will join the groundswell of a combined 40,000-plus cyclists and volunteers who will be participating in events across the country. Tour de Cure is designed for all skill levels from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist and offers five routes, including:

* 10-Mile Fun Ride: This Family-Friendly Fun Ride is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, featuring a flat, enjoyable road that stretches along a serene area of the Silk Sheets trail.
* 14-Mile Ride: The 14-mile ride offers a moderate challenge while being safe and scenic. Frequent rest stops and plenty of SAG patrols make this ride a great choice for everyone, from the beginner to intermediate cyclist.
* 34-Mile Ride: The 34-mile ride is the perfect choice for an intermediate cyclist. This scenic route offers a greater challenge and yet is fully supported by our SAG vehicles and full rest stops.
* 62-Mile Metric Century: This 62-mile metric century features a fun yet challenging ride through the Silk Sheets - a perfect choice for the advanced cyclist or a rider who wants an even greater challenge. Full route support ensures a safe ride from start to finish.
* 100-Mile Century: This 100-mile century is a true test of endurance – best suited for the experienced cyclist. Traversing 100 miles on Fairburn's (Silk Sheets) best roads guarantee an unforgettable experience.

"We are truly excited to have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia as a sponsor of this momentous national event here in Georgia," said Michael Gault, Senior Executive Director, Atlanta/North Georgia Region American Diabetes Association. "Their contributions will help provide needed funds to help the nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes – including more than 1 million Georgians."

"I encourage other Georgia companies and individuals to start their own team because every dollar raised benefits diabetes research," said Kendrick.

The Tour de Cure raises funds through registration fees and pledges collected by the individual cyclists. To register visit: www.diabetes.org/atlantatourdecure or call Aimee Simpson at 404-320-7100 x3034.

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Special Olympics Georgia State Winter Games in Cobb County Set for This Weekend

/PRNewswire/ -- Athletes from all over Georgia will compete in Special Olympics Georgia's State Indoor Winter Games, sponsored by Stadion Money Management, in Cobb County this weekend.

About 1,800 participants from all over Georgia will compete Jan. 21-23 at various locations in Cobb County. Athletes will compete in basketball, ice skating, bowling, floor hockey, powerlifting, artistic gymnastics and roller skating. Southeast Powerlifting is also being held during the weekend at the Crowne Plaza on Powers Ferry. The games are free and open to the public.

The Games' Opening Ceremony is at 7:30 p.m. at Cobb Civic Center in Marietta. At Opening Ceremony, every athlete and coach will wear red and white scarves knitted by volunteers from all over the country. Grand Marshals are the four World Games athletes who will compete in Greece in July. The highlight of the night is the lighting of the cauldron by a law enforcement officer and an athlete, signifying the Flame of Hope for athletes and the community. This year is the Law Enforcement Torch Run's 25th Anniversary. It is SOGA's largest grassroots fundraiser.

Competitions will continue Saturday and Sunday at various locations, including The Cooler, Brunswick Zone, Marietta Middle School, and Cobb County Civic Center. The full schedule and a link to make a donation is available at www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.

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New Archery Range Available at Flat Creek Public Fishing Area

A new archery range is open in middle Georgia at the Flat Creek Public Fishing Area, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. 

“Public shooting ranges are popular with hunters and recreational shooting sports enthusiasts,” says Division Shooting Sports Coordinator Jennifer Pittman.  “We were eager to add a range to this public fishing area as soon as it opened in 2009 – and thanks to great cooperative efforts, we are now able to make it available to the public.”

Construction for the range began in September of this year, with final completion accomplished later that month.  The range was built using Wildlife Restoration funds, with money coming from sportsmen through their purchases of firearms, archery equipment and ammunition.

The range offers a static area that includes both bullseye and 3-D targets from 10-50 yards.  There are additional 3-D targets, at varying distances, available along a walking trail. The range is open every day during daylight hours. 

For more information on archery or firearms ranges, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and select “Hunting” and then “Archery/Shooting Ranges.”

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The McGladrey Classic Welcomes Active and Retired Military

/PRNewswire/ -- The McGladrey Classic announces that all active and retired military personnel will receive free admission to this official PGA TOUR event. The inaugural tournament, held Oct. 6-10, 2010, will be played at the Seaside course at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia's Golden Isles.

"We appreciate the great sacrifices that our military personnel make to protect the safety and freedom of all Americans, and we want these men and women to have an opportunity to watch some of the greatest golfers on the PGA TOUR," said McGladrey Classic Executive Director Mark Love.

A special hospitality venue, The McGladrey Military Outpost provided by title sponsor McGladrey, will be located near the 9th green. Active and retired military simply need to show their military ID card to gain free entry to the tournament.

"It is a great honor to be able to host members of our military at the first McGladrey Classic," said C.E. Andrews, president and chief operating officer of RSM McGladrey. "We look forward to The McGladrey Military Outpost becoming one of the great traditions of our annual event."

Attendees will have a chance to watch Team McGladrey members Zach Johnson, Davis Love III, and Chris DiMarco, among many other PGA TOUR professionals compete in the tournament.

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Eight Winners of Golf's Majors to Play in McGladrey Classic

/PRNewswire/ -- Unarguably, golf's Majors – the Masters, U.S. Open Championship, The Open Championship (commonly referred to as the British Open) and PGA Championship – draw the elite of the elite professional players.

The McGladrey Classic, an official PGA TOUR event, will host eight previous Major winners October 6 – 10 at Sea Island Golf Club, Saint Simons Island, Georgia. In addition to previously committed players Davis Love III, Zach Johnson and Lucas Glover, players Trevor Immelman, David Duval, David Toms, Justin Leonard and Lee Janzen will play the Seaside course, ranked one of the top 100 courses in the U.S. by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.

Immelman won the Masters, Duval and Leonard the British Open, and Toms the PGA Championship. Love, Duval and Leonard also won The Players Championship, often referred to as the 5th Major. Another 5th Major winner, Henrik Stenson, has committed to play in The McGladrey Classic.

"Davis and I are extremely excited to introduce the PGA TOUR family to Georgia's beautiful Golden Isles. It's our dream to create an event that mirrors all our community is renowned for – its rich culture, storied past and extraordinary hospitality," said tournament executive director Mark Love. "We believe that when players and spectators come once, it will quickly become their annual Seaside tradition."

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mcgladreyclassic.com. Friday, September 24 is the last day to purchase tickets to be mailed. Tickets purchased after Friday can be picked up at Will Call, located in the event parking area at McKinnon Airport, near the Sea Island Golf Club entrance.

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Special Olympics Georgia Celebrates First Eunice Kennedy Shriver Week Sept. 22-26

/PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of golf enthusiasts and bowlers will celebrate the first celebration week of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics Sept. 22-26

"Her legacy of inspiring change throughout her life will be recognized through a day of sports, meeting new people and contributions with the goal of championing hope, justice, faith and courage," said Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats.

"Eunice Kennedy Shriver week is an opportunity to demonstrate what Shriver has taught us by changing our perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities with sport and camaraderie," Milton-Sheats said.

SOGA is holding events to celebrate Shriver:

* Metro Atlanta residents support Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) by attending THE TOUR Championship, presented by Coca-Cola at East Lake Golf Club Sept. 22-26. Daily grounds tickets are available for $60 each or several days can be purchased. For every ticket sold, SOGA receives 50 percent back, using the code TCSGSH.
* Similar to Shriver, Atlantans will rally against using the R-word and attend "Strike the R-Word! Bowl with Atlanta Hawks Forward Marvin Williams," Sept. 23 at 300 Atlanta. Tickets are $40 including bowling, shoe rental, drinks, appetizers, and a bowling T-shirt.


For more information about THE TOUR and the bowling event, visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org

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It's 'Game On' for the 17th Annual Wendy's High School Heisman Award

/PRNewswire/ -- Wendy's® is looking for the next class of remarkable students who excel in academics, athletics and community involvement. Celebrating its 17th year, the 2010 Wendy's High School Heisman(TM) award application process is underway. Now through Oct. 3, 2010, eligible students (graduating class of 2011) can apply and submit their applications at www.WendysHeisman.com.

"I'm proud to be part of a program that honors young men and women who embody the spirit of the Heisman tradition of hard work, dedication and an outstanding record both on and off the field," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner (1974 - '75). "The Wendy's High School Heisman award recognizes those individuals who have put forth tremendous effort in the classroom, in sports and in the community to deliver excellence in all they do."

The Wendy's High School Heisman (WHSH) award is a joint program between Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trust, host of the Collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy. Just as the Heisman is known for being the top award in college football, WHSH is known for being the most prominent award at the high school level. To date, more than 250,000 high school students have represented their schools.

The elite recognition of the WHSH award also gives students the leverage they need to shine on their college applications and stand apart from their peers in the competitive process. "Being recognized as the Wendy's High School Heisman Winner has opened so many doors for me and has reinforced my confidence in taking on whatever challenges and opportunities may arise," said Kyle Pollock, 2009 WHSH winner.

All eligible seniors may submit an application online through Oct. 3, 2010. The first 41,100 applicants will receive a Wendy's gift card randomly valued from $5 to $50. From the completed applications, one male and one female winner will be chosen to receive the Wendy's High School Heisman award. For more information, students can visit www.WendysHeisman.com, call (800) 205-6367 or contact their local high school principal, guidance counselor or athletic director. Students can also visit the WHSH fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wendyshighschoolheisman.

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The North Face Endurance Challenge Comes to Atlanta for the First Time

(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time in its four-year history, The North Face Endurance Challenge comes to Atlanta, Georgia on October 16-17, 2010. Named one of the 25 best running cities in America by Runner’s World magazine, Atlanta will host the two-day event that will feature 50-Mile, 50K, Half-Marathon and 10K race distances. This year’s event will also feature a Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K race and runs for kids under 13.

“The Pine Mountain Ridge – on the southernmost edge of the Appalachian Mountain range – will offer a breathtaking fall foliage backdrop in mid-October.”

Hosted by internationally-recognized ultrarunner Dean Karnazes, The North Face Endurance Challenge Presented by Gore-Tex offers a unique running experience, welcoming people to push and exceed their personal limits on the trail. Following regional races in Bear Mountain, NY and Washington, DC, The North Face 2010 Endurance Challenge comes to Madison, WI and Atlanta before culminating with the championship in San Francisco. Each of the men’s and women’s regional Gore-Tex 50 Mile winners will take home $1,000. At the Championship, $10,000 each will go to the top male and female Gore-Tex 50 Mile finisher.

“The Atlanta race is a hardy test for trail runners of any level,” said Karnazes. “The Pine Mountain Ridge – on the southernmost edge of the Appalachian Mountain range – will offer a breathtaking fall foliage backdrop in mid-October.”

The Southeast Regional course will run through historic F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, GA, which offers 42 miles of established trails. The course features a mixture of technical terrain with rocky rooted footing and some hard-packed trails, including plenty of water crossings and ascents/descents along the Pine Mountain Ridge, resulting in a tough test of off-road endurance.

“This is the first year the Endurance Challenge is coming to the southeast and we’re excited to build on our relationships with the Atlanta running community,” said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing for The North Face. “With a new two-day format and family-oriented activities each day, the Endurance Challenge provides opportunities for athletes at every level to have fun.”

The North Face Endurance Challenge was awarded “Best Green Race Series” by Trail Runner magazine in 2009. In addition to The North Face Endurance Challenge, The North Face hosts global endurance events in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Canada. For more information about The North Face global endurance events check out www.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge.

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College Football Hall of Fame Relocation to Atlanta Making Great Strides

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The project to relocate the College Football Hall of Fame to Atlanta is making significant progress towards realizing the goal of creating a new immersive and interactive attraction that will celebrate the college football game day experience in a way never before seen.

“This new home of college football will be a true celebration of the sport, evoking all the emotions of the game day experience.”

Atlanta Hall Management, Inc. – the newly formed non-profit created to oversee the construction and management of the new facility – today made a number of announcements related to its continuing progress.

“We’ve achieved an incredible amount in planning what will be a highly entertaining, engaging and memorable attraction,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Hall Management and Chick-fil-A Bowl president and CEO. “This new home of college football will be a true celebration of the sport, evoking all the emotions of the game day experience.”

First among those was the selection of two finalist sites still under consideration for the new facility. Both sites are located in downtown Atlanta in close proximity to Centennial Olympic Park and the city’s core of museums and attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.

The first finalist site, owned by InterPark, encompasses 34,000 square feet and is located at the corner of Harris St. and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. The site is currently being used as a parking lot.

The second finalist site, owned by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, is a 2.7-acre parking lot adjacent to Hall A of the Georgia World Congress Center convention complex, one-half block south of Centennial Olympic Park.

“We literally looked at dozens of possible sites to narrow it down to these two,” Stokan said. “Each site has its unique benefits and both will offer exciting opportunities for the grand opening of the new College Football Hall of Fame in March 2013.”

Atlanta Hall Management (AHM) is continuing to vet the two sites and is expected to make a final selection later this year with construction of the 50,000 square-foot, $50 million facility expected to be completed in March 2013.

AHM’s final agreement with the National Football Foundation, which was signed in July, provides an official license and empowers AHM to oversee all aspects of the project and provides rights to use the name “College Football Hall of Fame.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the amount of progress our partners in Atlanta have achieved,” said Steve Hatchell, National Football Foundation president and CEO. “Together, we have assembled a team of experts in every discipline necessary to deliver on the vision we all share for the new College Football Hall of Fame.”

Fundraising efforts continue to progress ahead of expectations. AHM announced that $31.5 million of the estimated $50 million has already been committed to the project.

Current financial commitments include $10 million in general obligation bonds from the State of Georgia, $5 million from the Chick-fil-A Bowl, $5 million from Chick-fil-A, Inc., $2.5 million from Coca-Cola, $1 million from the City of Atlanta’s ADA Economic Development Fund and up to $8 million in cash netting from $25 million in new market tax credits through the Atlanta Development Authority.

“With the funding currently in place, our goal to open the new College Football Hall of Fame is off to an incredibly positive start. We haven’t even gone into the marketplace with our sponsorship packages yet,” Stokan said. “The reality is that this will be a very attractive and dynamic asset for companies looking for a solid return on their investment.”

In addition to its cash commitment, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola has also committed several million dollars in marketing assets including Web, digital media and cross-promotional activities.

Chick-fil-A was the first company to commit as a corporate partner in the project, adding the Hall to its current college football sponsorships anchored by the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. “We identified the College Football Hall of Fame early as a ‘can’t-miss’ opportunity,” said Steve Robinson, chief marketing officer for Chick-fil-A. “It fits perfectly into our portfolio of college sports properties because college fans have the high level of passion and loyalty we’re looking for.”

With the construction phase of the project expected to begin in August 2011, AHM disclosed its development team consisting of architects, real estate developer/program managers and exhibit designers.

TVS Design of Atlanta will serve as lead architects as a part of a joint venture with Turner Associates of Atlanta. Cousins Properties and Gude Management, another Atlanta-based joint venture, will perform the roles of developer and program manager. Gallagher and Associates of Washington D.C. will design the exhibit experience and work closely with TVS Design and Turner Associates to achieve an integrated look and feel with the building architecture.

During the approximate two-year construction process, the College Football Hall of Fame project will generate an estimated $91 million in economic impact for Georgia, while creating an estimated 884 jobs in metro Atlanta and will generate an estimated $4.9 million in state taxes for Georgia. The construction phase is also expected to generate $1.8 million in city tax revenue for Atlanta a study commissioned by Central Atlanta Progress stated.

“This will be a huge financial windfall for Atlanta and Georgia at a time when no one else is creating jobs,” Stokan said. “It will also provide a new tax revenue stream at a time when state sales tax revenues have declined.”

The College Football Hall of Fame relocation project was originally spearheaded by the Chick-fil-A Bowl, in partnership with the National Football Foundation. Representatives from the two organizations first announced plans to relocate the Hall to Atlanta from its current home in South Bend, Ind. last September.

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Denny Hamlin to Drive #11 Sport Clips Toyota Camry This Weekend During NASCAR's Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

/PRNewswire/ -- Denny Hamlin will make his 176th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this weekend when he climbs behind the wheel of the #11 Sport Clips Toyota Camry at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS).

Sport Clips will serve as the primary sponsor of the #11 Toyota this weekend at Atlanta. It is the first time the long-time Joe Gibbs Racing partner in the Nationwide Series has sponsored a Sprint Cup Car. Sport Clips is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas and features more than 700 Sport Clips locations in 38 states. The franchise ranked in the top 100 overall and top 50 in growth for the sixth straight year in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Franchise 500."

Sunday night's race at AMS marks Hamlin's 11th Cup start at the 1.55-mile track. To date, he has recorded one top-five and three top-ten finishes at Atlanta. His best finish came in the fall of 2008 when he led 56 laps on his way to a third-place finish.

"It's exciting to have Sport Clips on board this weekend," says Hamlin. "They have been with Gibbs for a while now supporting the Nationwide teams and they've had a lot of success there. I am hoping to give them a good race this weekend on the Cup side - it would be fun to celebrate with them on Sunday night."

Green flag for the Emory Heathcare 500 will drop at 7:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on ESPN Television and PRN.

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Let's Play Ball! A Night Out at the Ball Park with Outdoor Channel & Comcast

/PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV, today announced plans for the pregame "Fields & Reels Outdoor Night" expo with the Atlanta Braves on Friday, September 10th. Willie Robertson of Outdoor Channel's "Buck Commander Protected by Under Armour" and "Benelli Presents Duck Commander" will headline the event with Braves alum Ryan Klesko to celebrate the night with area hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. In partnership with Comcast, the network will offer activities and prizes at a co-branded booth prior to the Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals game at Turner Field.

"We are excited to partner with the Atlanta Braves and Xfinity TV from Comcast, as the event gives outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans an opportunity to come together with their favorite stars who share the same passions," said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Outdoor Channel for the 'Fields & Reels Outdoor Night' expo. This event enables us to celebrate the outdoor lifestyle and reach avid outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans in the region," said Taylor Nipper, Director of Marketing, Comcast Atlanta Region.

The expo will be filmed for an upcoming episode of "Buck Commander," capturing Robertson singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch and hosting an outdoor-themed Q&A session with good friend Ryan Klesko. "Buck Commander" is a reality-based TV show that follows Willie, aka "Boss Hogg," and current and former Major League Baseball superstars Matt Duff, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans, Adam LaRoche and Tom "Tombo" Martin from batting practice to bow practice and from in-the-field to the outfield. Every episode highlights the camaraderie, comedy and antics of the six co-owners of the Buck Commander company, where the end of baseball season is only the beginning.

"Having been on 'Buck Commander' with Major League Baseball players, I am honored to be a part of such a marquee event for outdoor enthusiasts and baseball fans," commented Willie Robertson. "One of the major benefits of working with Outdoor Channel is getting to know other hunters. From baseball players to folks I meet on the road - we're all just a bunch of good ol' boys who share a love for the outdoors."

Visit the Outdoor Channel/Comcast booth at the expo for raffles and promotional giveaways, including hot-ticket posters which will only be available to the first 5,000 fans entering the stadium. Tickets for the Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals game are available at a discounted price with the promo code: OUTDOOR at www.braves.com/outdoor.

Outdoor Channel appears on Channel 210 on Xfinity TV from Comcast in the Atlanta market.

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All events are free and open to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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