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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Thousands to Hit the Streets in the Fight Against Hunger on March 13

More Than 10,000 Metro Atlantans Expected to Participate in Hunger Walk/Run

Unemployment remains at record levels in Georgia, causing many more people to seek help to feed their families. The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and others are working harder than ever to meet the continued demand and are hoping Hunger Walk/Run 2011 will bring out a record number of participants to help raise funding, awareness and hope for the issue of hunger.

The Food Bank, along with five other local hunger-relief programs and thousands of metro Atlantans will gather at Turner Field’s Green Lot on Sunday, March 13 to walk and run through Downtown, marking the 27th year of the annual event. Gates open at Noon and the walk/run steps off at 2 p.m.

The number of people needing emergency food assistance in metro Atlanta has risen to a critical level in recent years. According to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey report released in September 2010, nearly 1.6 million Georgians are living in poverty, up from 1.4 million in 2008. So far this fiscal year, the ACFB’s distribution to its more than 700 nonprofit partner agencies has increased by 40 percent.

“Hunger – Walk for It – Not Away from It,” is the mantra for Hunger Walk/Run 2011 organizers who are serious about responding to the need, recruiting record numbers of participants, and raising more funds than ever. “The Hunger Walk/Run is one of our most important fundraisers each year,” said Bill Bolling, founder and executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “As a number of recent studies have shown, more and more people are struggling to put food on the table. The money raised at this event will help us continue to meet the growing need here in metro Atlanta, now and in the coming months.”

While the Walk/Run addresses a serious problem, it doesn’t run short on fun. Participants will be energized by the full scope of activities such as a 22 foot slide, a golf chip-shot area, and a children’s obstacle course to get everyone excited about, and energized for, the event. “This is a fun and memorable event for everyone,” said Holly Royston, Hunger Walk/Run manager. “In addition to the 5K walk and run, we’re creating an exciting, festival atmosphere in the Green Lot to kick off the afternoon. Our stage show will feature a performance by Sounds of Essence, as

well as Brenda Wood from 11Alive and Mara Davis from 92.9 davefm serving as our emcees. We’ll have music and giveaways from 92.9 davefm, 104.7 The Fish and V103/WAOK. There is so much to do before you even take that first step on the route!”

Walkers and runners will step off at Turner Field just outside Monument Grove, and travel a scenic, historic route throughout downtown Atlanta with live performers supporting them along the way – performers include STRATOGEEZER, Praise in Motion dancers and Emerson Drummers drum core, among others.

While “day-of” registration will be available, participants are encouraged to register online at www.HWR2011.org and invite friends and family to join them at the event or make a donation. The runners’ registration fee is $25, which includes a special Hunger Walk/Run moisture wicking t-shirt. There is no charge for walkers to participate, but a $25 donation is encouraged, and those donating or collecting $25 or more will receive an official Hunger Walk/Run 2011 t-shirt.

Once again, Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, and St. Vincent De Paul Society are partnering with ACFB to recruit participants and raise funds. As the only race in the community that benefits more than just one nonprofit, Hunger Walk/Run has become a beloved tradition. From families and individuals to faith groups and corporate teams, this event offers the rare occasion to bring people together from almost every race, generation and religion in metro Atlanta.

The committee worked hard to add some fresh ideas on fundraising last year, helping to raise over $500,000. “With an event that has been around for a while, we were especially surprised by the generosity of the community,” said Royston. “We hope to build on the momentum and raise even more this year!”

The Hunger Walk began as a small volunteer event created in response to domestic and international hunger issues in 1984. The Atlanta Community Food Bank has helped organize the Hunger Walk/Run every year since it began, and in 1988 it became a special project of the Food Bank. Since then, millions of dollars have been raised, helping to feed hundreds of thousands of people who struggle with hunger or the threat of hunger.

For more information on Hunger Walk/Run 2011, visit www.HWR2011org, call 404-892-3333 ext. 1246, or email hungerwalk@acfb.org for more information. We’ll see you there!

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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Thrashers Place Forward Evander Kane on Injured Reserve and Recall Forwards Tim Stapleton and Spencer Machacek from Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed forward Evander Kane on Injured Reserve, retroactive to Jan. 5, and have recalled forwards Tim Stapleton and Spencer Machacek from the Chicago Wolves (AHL), according to General Manager Rick Dudley.

Kane, 19, has appeared in 40 games this season, recording 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) and ranking third on the team in goals. The 6-2, 195-pound, left wing has earned 52 points (27 goals, 25 assists) in 106 career NHL games with the Thrashers (2009-10 to 2010-11).

The Vancouver, British Columbia, native was selected in the first round, fourth overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Stapleton, 28, has seen action in 10 games with Atlanta this season after originally being signed as an unrestricted free agent on Nov. 30. His NHL totals include three goals in 20 career games with Atlanta (2009-10 to 2010-11) and Toronto (2008-09). Stapleton added a shootout goal in a Thrashers 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Dec. 30.

The 5-9, 180-pound center has contributed with two points (two assists) in two games with the Wolves this season. Prior to signing with Atlanta he registered 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 20 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL). The Forest Park, Illinois, native has earned 160 points (66 goals, 94 assists) in 174 career games over four AHL seasons with Portland (2005-06), Toronto (2008-09), Chicago (2009-10 to 2010-11) and San Antonio.

Machacek, 22, has seen action in 39 games with the Wolves while registering 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists), which ranks third on the team. The 6-1, 200-pound right wing has tallied 130 points (57 goals, 73 assists) in 195 career AHL games with Chicago (2008-09 to 2010-11). Machacek, who played two games with the Thrashers during the 2008-09, made his NHL debut on March 16, 2009 vs. Washington.

The Lethbridge, Alberta, native was selected by the Thrashers in the third round, 67th overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Secure the option to purchase 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff seats by ordering pro-rated Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets, or build your own flex plan by selecting the games that work best for you. For more information, please call 1-866-715-1500 or visit www.thrashersseasontickets.com. Individual game tickets for all home games are on sale at all Ticketmaster Ticket Outlets and the Philips Arena Box Office, or online at www.atlantathrashers.com.

Clayton State Announces “Take a Kid to the Game” Date

Come support the Lakers at their men’s & women’s basketball games

The Clayton State men’s and women’s basketball teams are inviting local youth for its annual NCAA® Basketball “Take A Kid to the Game®” on Saturday, Jan. 22. The Laker women and men will be playing host to Peach Belt Conference rival North Georgia College & State University. The women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m., followed with the men’s game at approximately 7:30 p.m. All Laker home basketball games are played at the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton State University in Morrow.

Area youth (13 & under) are invited to attend this special date and receive a free ticket and free popcorn with the purchase of a full-priced ($5) adult ticket. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the college game-day atmosphere and some exciting action as they watch the Lakers compete for a win.

Clayton State is hosting one of more than 700 games that will be played across the nation as part of the Take A Kid to the Game (TAKG) program in its 16th season. The project is a grass roots initiative that attracts the nation’s youth and encourages adults to take kids to area college basketball games.

“We are thrilled to invite area youth to our campus and have them help as we cheer on the Lakers to victory. It is our hope that adults in the community will bring their children out to experience a collegiate athletic event at Clayton State,” says Mason Barfield, director of Athletics at Clayton State. “We’re expecting a crowd to take part in the intense basketball action at our games!” Tickets for these special games can be purchased at the door, beginning one hour before the scheduled tipoff time. For more information, contact Clayton State at (678) 466-4679 or visit http://athletics.clayton.edu/ on the web. NCAA Basketball® is a national sponsor of the Take A Kid to the Game program.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Ignites Enthusiasm with Changes to 2011 Friday Night Drags Season

Atlanta Motor Speedway officials are infusing new energy into their popular Friday Night Drags series by updating the championship structure and amending the series rules for the upcoming 2011 season.

Friday Night Drags, the Speedway’s summer drag racing series, will feature five new drag racing classes and a unique championship points structure in order to create more-competitive racing in 2011. The changes include:

Five new Friday Night Drags racing classes, including four new motorcycle divisions: Diesel Truck; Super Sport Bike; Street Motorcycle; Cruiser Motorcycle; and Dirt Bike.
Two new Show-N-Shine car show classes: Street Rod (1949 and prior stock or custom vehicles) and Motorcycle.
A mid-season champion will be crowned in each racing division after six points races and points will be reset entering the second half of the overall 2011 season. The mid-season and second-half champions will match race at the end of the season to determine the 2011 Friday Night Drags season champion in each division.
The Three-Win Rule will require competitors who accumulate three wins in entry-level divisions to graduate to advanced classes.
Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine champions will be honored during Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 2011 NASCAR Labor Day weekend of night racing.

“Friday Night Drags continues to grow each year, but for 2011 we are adding several new elements to make this year’s drag racing program even better,” said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager. “The enhancements made for the 2011 season – new classes for racing and show cars, an updated method for crowning champions and the Three-Win Rule – should result in the most-competitive season in the five-year history of Friday Night Drags.”

In addition to the announced rules changes for the 2011 season, Atlanta Motor Speedway officials also released the upcoming schedule for Friday Night Drags. The Speedway will play host to 16 Friday Night Drags events in 2011, including 12 points races running from June 3 through Aug. 19, preceded by four non-points events for testing beginning on April 29.

2011 Friday Night Drags Schedule

April 29 Friday Night Drags Non-Points Opener & Show-N-Shine

May 6 Friday Night Drags Non-Points Event & Show-N-Shine

May 13 Friday Night Drags Non-Points Event & Show-N-Shine

May 20 Friday Night Drags Non-Points Event & Show-N-Shine

June 3 Friday Night Drags Season Points Opener & Show-N-Shine

June 10 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

June 17 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

June 24 Friday Night Drags Double Points Night & Show-N-Shine

July 1 Friday Night Drags, Show-N-Shine and Fireworks

July 8 Friday Night Drags Mid-Season Championship & Show-N-Shine

July 15 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

July 22 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

July 29 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

Aug. 5 Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

Aug. 12 Friday Night Drags Double Points Night & Show-N-Shine

Aug. 19 Friday Night Drags Championship Night & Show-N-Shine

For more information about Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or call 770-946-4211. You can also download this year’s rulebook and procedures by following this link http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/documents/2011_rulebook.pdf.

Atlanta Braves Announce 2011 Braves Country Caravan, Presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

Coming to a Town Near You, January 24 – February 5, 2011

Braves players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters, and executives prepare to hit the road, visiting fans in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast in the second annual Braves Country Caravan

The Atlanta Braves are taking their show on the road and coming to a town near you, January 24 – February 5, during the second annual Braves Country Caravan, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. With more than 25 stops in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, the Braves will travel more than 3,000 miles and meet thousands of fans during a two week stretch before the team heads to Orlando for Spring Training.

Atlanta Braves players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters, and team executives will make community appearances at children’s hospitals, schools, and military bases, and will host autograph signings at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores and other locations including Publix Super Markets around Atlanta and in cities throughout the Southeast including: Macon, Augusta, Athens, and Columbus, Georgia; Birmingham, Montgomery, and Auburn, Alabama; Greenville, Spartanburg, and Columbia, South Carolina; Knoxville, Chattanooga, Madison, and Nashville, Tennessee; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Preliminary 2011 Braves Country Caravan Schedule

A complete schedule of community appearances and autograph signings in each market will be announced prior to each caravan stop.

Monday, January 24: Macon, Georgia
· Community appearance to be announced
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m - Autograph signing Academy Sports + Outdoors
1689 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, GA 31206
(478) 785-2300

Tuesday, January 25: Columbia, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia
· Community appearance to be announced
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. - Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Evans
4210 Washington Road
Evans, GA 30809
(706) 210-6100

Wednesday, January 26: Birmingham, Alabama
· Community appearance to be announced
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. CST - Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Hoover
2810 John Hawkins Pkwy
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 403-6145

Thursday, January 27: Atlanta area
· Season Ticket Holder Q & A and Lunch at TBA location
· Braves Autograph Signing
Publix Super Market Location TBA

Friday, January 28: Atlanta and Athens, Georgia
· Season Ticket Holder Q & A and Lunch at TBA Location
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. - Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Athens
3505 Atlanta Highway (at Timothy Rd.)
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 354-5620

Saturday, January 29: Columbus, Georgia, and Montgomery and Auburn, Alabama
· Community appearance to be announced
· 12 – 1:30 p.m. CST - Autograph signing Academy Sports + Outdoors in Montgomery
8610 Eastchase Pkwy
Montgomery, AL
(334) 215-2800
· 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. CST Autograph signing Academy Sports + Outdoors in Auburn
2325 Bent Creek Road
Auburn, AL 36830
(334)466-5500

Sunday, January 30: Greenville, South Carolina
· Community appearance to be announced
· 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Greenville
59 Woodruff Industrial Lane
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 254-5900

Monday, January 31: Atlanta area
· Community appearances and autograph signings to be announced

Tuesday, February 1: Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee
· Community appearances and autograph signings in Knoxville to be announced
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Autograph Signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Chattanooga
2220 Hamilton Place Blvd
Suite 150
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 490-2300

Wednesday, February 2 Atlanta area
· Season Ticket Holder Q & A and Lunch at TBA Location
· Braves Autograph Signing
Publix Super Market Location TBA

Thursday, February 3 Charlotte, North Carolina and Spartanburg, South Carolina
· Community appearance and autograph signing in Charlotte to be announced
· 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors
100 Peachwood Centre Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864) 216-8960

Friday, February 4: Atlanta area
· Season Ticket Holder Q & A and Lunch at TBA Location
· Braves Autograph Signing
Publix Super Market Location TBA

Saturday, February 5: Madison and Nashville, Tennessee
· 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CST - Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors
2350 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
(615) 855-6900
· Community appearance to be announced