Special Olympics Minnesota’s 2008 Summer Games Continue
Special Olympics Minnesota shines with Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Green
The 2008 Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games at the University of Minnesota is turning a new leaf and going green! Recycling containers, including bins for plastic, aluminum and paper, including cardboard, will be available for athletes, volunteers and spectators to dispose of their waste. GreenGuardian, a local nonprofit organization, will host a Green Tent in Olympic Town from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today. A game wheel will give athletes the opportunity to receive information on how to recycle at home, in the office and in the kitchen. Athletes will also have to keep an eye out for the GreenGuardian mascot!
Track and field events continue today at the University of Minnesota’s Bierman Athletics Complex (corner of 15th Ave. SE and 5th St. SE) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Between competitions, athletes have the chance to spend time in Olympic Town and Healthy Athletes Village, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. In addition, the International Diabetes Center will be offering free blood glucose screenings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics competition is also taking place at Mini-Hops Gymnastics Club in Minnetonka from 2:45-5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit Special Olympics Minnesota’s Web site at www.specialolympicsminnesota.org or contact Anna Kucera at 612-209-0266 or kuceraa@somn.org.
In 2008, Special Olympics Minnesota celebrates 35 years of champions! Since 1973, we have been enhancing the human potential and quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by offering year-round sports training and competition. By sharing their joy and courage, our athletes inspire the human spirit in all of us.
Source: Special Olympics Minnesota
Web Site: http://www.somn.org/
http://www.specialolympicsminnesota.org/
Foxhill Motocross Track is Back!
After a three-year hiatus, Foxhill owner Genevieve Mather is presenting a fantastic day of motocross with the gates opening at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th, 2008.
Foxhill is located approximately two miles southeast of Wanborough at Junction 15 off the M4. Tickets are 20 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for those 8 – 15 years old. There will be a family ticket at 40 pounds for two adults and 2 children, under the age of 15. Visit www.foxhillmotocross.com to buy tickets.
With top British riders scheduled to compete, including teams such as Molson Kawasaki Racing, Relentless Suzuki MX, and Team KTM UK, Foxhill is ready to resume its role as one of the top tracks in the world.
The Beginning of Foxhill Racing…
“Towards the end of the sixties my late husband, Jim Fairhurst, constructed a scramble course (the early name for motocross) at Shawdene, the estate near Newbury where we live,” Mrs. Mathers said. “This track became very famous, hosting numerous meets, including the world sidecar championships and the European motorbike championships. Many people still have fond memories of what was called ‘The Fox and Hounds Circuit.’”
“In the early eighties, after my mother-in-law died, we inherited the Foxhill Estate. There is a natural combe at Foxhill and Jim realized that it would make a wonderful natural track. The creation of Foxhill would lead right into his favourite hobby – bulldozing. Armed with his machine, and with professional guidance, he built the course himself. It was immediately a huge success and we had several world-class events. Unfortunately it grew rather too large too fast. In 1999, five years after Jim had died, Foxhill hosted the Motocross Des Nations (the motocross of nations) which is the ultimate International competition. It rained like hell and we had 50,000 people on the grounds. The result was absolute chaos but it gave us a good idea of what to do… and what not to do in the future.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased to get the track up and running again. We’ve poured over 30,000 pounds into improvements that will make the track the crown jewel of International Motocross once again.” We want to make this first event a big family day out. There will be a designated family picnic area with a great view, a fun fair, and a beer garden, just to name a few of the exciting family and friend attractions that will be on site.
To talk with a member of the Foxhill Promotions Team about the British Maxxis race on July 27, please contact Jamie Bouloux, Circuit Manager, at jamie@foxhillmotocross.com. For up-to-the-minute information and directions, make sure to visit www.foxhillmotocross.com.
Web site: http://www.foxhillmotocross.com
Source: Foxhill Promotions
New York Yankees and Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment to Open Year-Round
Hard Rock Cafe in New Yankee Stadium; Yankee Global Enterprises to Partner With Hard Rock to Create NYY Steak
The New York Yankees announced today that they have agreed to enter into a long-term agreement with Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment to open a 7,000-square-foot Hard Rock Cafe in the new Yankee Stadium. In addition, YGE Steakhouses, an affiliate of the Yankees’ parent company, Yankee Global Enterprises, has joined with Hard Rock Entertainment to create the newly-branded NYY Steak, a prime steakhouse also slated for the new Yankee Stadium.
Both restaurants will be operated year-round. The agreement also permits the parties to explore other NYY Steak locations.
Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium will be located on the corner of 161st Street and River Avenue and feature seating for 210 guests. It will be open year-round to ticketholders and non-ticketholders alike with a full bar and patio seating. The restaurant will house memorabilia from top artists, with an emphasis on New York-area talent and additional Yankees related pieces.
NYY Steak will open above the Hard Rock Cafe in right field in the new Yankee Stadium. Based on the successful Council Oak Steak & Seafood Restaurants at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., the new restaurant will occupy 6,300 square feet of space with seating for 128 guests. The restaurant will be open throughout the year and have extended hours on game days. It will be operated by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment.
“Adding popular and premier dining options such as the Hard Rock Cafe and NYY Steak was done with our fans in mind,” said Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost. “The new Yankee Stadium will be a destination that fans of every age and from around the world can look forward to visiting throughout the calendar year. By creating year-round restaurants that provide substantial full- and part-time union employment for those in the local community, our partnership with Hard Rock fulfills our initiative to make the new Yankee Stadium a source of pride for Bronx residents.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the New York Yankees and to be part of the new Yankee Stadium,” said Jim Allen, President and CEO of Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment. “The Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium will bring two iconic brands, as well as sports and music, to this world-class venue.”
“The Bronx is home to doo wop, hip hop, salsa and now the Hard Rock,” said Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr. “Marquee restaurants like these will attract even more visitors to the area and will provide new dining choices for the community. Burgers, steaks and the Yankees-that’s a Bronx grand slam.”
The Yankees are proud to partner with philanthropically-focused entities such as Hard Rock Entertainment. In conjunction with today’s announcement, Hard Rock will donate 26 guitars to two Bronx-based programs – Highbridge Voices and Renaissance E.M.S. – which focus on music, entertainment and sports.
“Because all of our Bronx kids can’t become Yankees, I applaud Hard Rock Entertainment for donating guitars to community music programs,” Carrion, Jr. said.
Source: Hard Rock International
Mainstream Media and NASCAR Join Forces on Chase for the Cup
In September NASCAR Fans will get the read of their lives with “Chase for the Cup”
Mainstream Media International (MMI), a leading sports marketing and publishing company based in Clearwater, FL, will publish “Chase for the Cup,” officially licensed by NASCAR. This perfect bound, high gloss publication will consist of approximately 160 pages, filled with full color photos, interviews with drivers and crews, track profiles and feature stories on the hottest topics in the sport. Nationwide distribution is scheduled for early September, shortly before the start of the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”
MMI is confident that as an officially licensed publication there will be many additional benefits for readers and advertisers alike. Known throughout the sport to feature articles from some of the leading journalists and insiders, the magazine will now feature the official NASCAR marks for “The Sprint Cup Series” and “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” along with the “NASCAR Library Collection” logo.
The agreement gives MMI access to NASCAR’s statistical database along with other information available only to NASCAR licensees. “With the enhanced brand, fans will ultimately find it easier to locate ‘Chase for the Cup’ at their local retailer and through many specialty and online stores. Through the agreement, MMI will also be working with NASCAR partners, affiliates, and other licensees to facilitate unprecedented levels of subscription sales. Unmatched editorial and distribution will give millions of NASCAR fans unparalleled access to the best Chase Preview Magazine that money can buy,” said MMI Chief Operating Officer, David Jacobstein.
“We look forward to forging the relationship with Mainstream Media on this annual publication that will provide the NASCAR fan complete coverage of the ‘Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,’” said Jennifer White, director of publishing at NASCAR. “As part of the NASCAR Library Collection, ‘Chase for the Cup’ will continue our efforts to offer fans an inside look at NASCAR.”
Source: Mainstream Media International
Web site: http://www.gommi.com/
http://www.gommi.com/cftc/cftc_publications.htm
James Blake and Andy Roddick Team up With the Bryan Brothers for AnthemLIVE! 2008
Sixth annual all-star tennis event returns to the ALLTEL Pavilion at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
As part of their ongoing commitment to support cancer research, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia and James Blake are pleased to present the sixth annual AnthemLIVE! Joining Blake this year will be former Grand Slam singles champion Andy Roddick and the world’s No. 1 men’s doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan. All four players are members of the 2007 winning men’s Davis Cup team. Last year marked the first U.S. men’s Davis Cup title in 12 years. AnthemLIVE! will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at the ALLTEL Pavilion at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center.
“We are excited to bring AnthemLIVE! back to Richmond and look forward to a great night of tennis,” said Burke King, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. “Finding a cure for this dreaded disease that has affected all of us at one time or another is one of the things most passionate to Anthem and our members. The success we’ve enjoyed partnering with James Blake on this event has exceeded our expectations and once again, we’re happy to have James and his friends join us to help raise funds for cancer research.”
Since its inception, AnthemLIVE! has raised more than $2.5 million for cancer research. This year’s event will again benefit groundbreaking cancer research at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
“Sponsoring a world-class tennis event to support world-class cancer research is a noble endeavor on the part of Anthem,” said Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center. “Cancer research ideas and potential discoveries are in the pipeline waiting to get out, and we are grateful Anthem recognizes that through research, we can extend and save lives.”
Supporting the fight against cancer is a top priority for Blake, whose father, Thomas Blake, died of cancer in 2004. To honor his father, Blake plays AnthemLIVE! each year and has established The Thomas Blake Sr. Research Fund at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
“I’ve enjoyed a great partnership with Anthem and look forward to another successful event. I’m close to my Davis Cup teammates and am happy they’ve agreed to join me this year to help raise funds to find a cure for cancer,” said Blake. “It is especially rewarding to be returning to Arthur Ashe’s hometown during the 40th Anniversary of his historic achievements in 1968 when he became world No. 1 and led the United States to a Davis Cup championship. Arthur Ashe inspired my father to begin playing tennis and I can’t think of a more appropriate location for this event or lineup of players to partner with during such an historic time.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for AnthemLIVE! go on sale Monday, June 16, and will be available at the VCU Box Office, 804-828-7267, or by visiting www.siegelcenter.com. Ticket prices will range from $15 to $125. Courtside tables for six people will be available for $3,000 each.
Source: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
Web site: http://www.anthem.com/
http://www.atptennis.com/
http://www.siegelcenter.com/
KIT digital Brings Euro2008 and Summer Olympics to Broadband and Mobile Providers Around the World
KIT digital (BULLETIN BOARD: KITD) , a global provider of IPTV enablement technology and video-centric interactive marketing solutions, is working with the world’s leading sports news agency, SNTV, to produce and package coverage of Euro2008 and the Summer Olympics for global broadband and mobile providers.
Through Kamera, KIT’s wholly owned subsidiary, a variety of global media and telecommunications companies have subscribed to SNTV’s Euro2008 content package, including Polkomtel (Poland), 3 Austria, Sportal (Germany and Switzerland), Infostrada/Sportsplaza (Netherlands), Tiscali (UK and Italy), Yonhap (South Korea), Viasat (Bulgaria), Dogus Media Group (Turkey) and CBC (Canada). KIT digital’s service was launched on June 1st, and runs through the remainder of the tournament.
As part of the Euro2008 package, subscribers receive 10 daily clips of the events online or on their mobile handsets, including pre- and post-match reactions and interviews with players, tournament organizers and fans. SNTV, which is a joint venture between IMG and The Associated Press, generates content 24/7 throughout the Euro2008 tournament and KIT digital ingests, packages, and translates this content for customers within each geographic market. SNTV and KIT digital share revenues from the Euro2008 content package – which has been a clear success to date. The Euro2008 games are being delivered in English, German, Russian and Polish, through this agreement, making this the first time the event is being translated for online and mobile viewers.
“KIT digital and Kamera have helped revitalize our Internet TV offering by allowing us to integrate the most compelling video content from leading sporting events around the world,” said Lucinda Tam, Head of News, Money and Sports at Tiscali. “Of the 3.5 million users in Italy and the UK that routinely visit our websites, a large majority are interested in getting access to premier sports programming. Euro2008 is one of the world’s most watched sporting events, and it was extremely important to us to provide video coverage of the tournament to our users. Through KIT’s proprietary broadband and mobile technology, we are not only able to showcase the event, we are able to deliver custom, localized feeds for our viewers in different geographies.”
Elizabeth Eastham, Sales Manager of SNTV, commented, “With KIT packaging our sports programming into a broad, end-to-end IPTV offering, we are reaching a much wider audience and delivering our content in ways that go above and beyond the traditional video stream. The ability to translate our content into multiple languages makes it more meaningful for viewers around the world, and this real-time localization capability is a key advantage to working with KIT digital.”
For the Beijing Olympics in August, KIT digital will work with SNTV to generate coverage of the games for a broad base of global media companies. SNTV is already producing pre-Olympic content from Beijing, and will draw on material from ten crews based in Beijing during the Games.
Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, chairman & CEO of KIT digital, commented, “When we acquired Kamera, not only did we gain a leading mobile video provider, we greatly expanded our content relationships. We are pleased to be able to work with some of the world’s largest media and telecommunications companies to distribute real-time Euro2008 and Beijing Olympics coverage to browsers and mobile devices in a manner which is tailored to their audiences’ local language and content needs.”
Source: KIT digital
Web site: http://www.kit-digital.com/
Major League Baseball and Baby Ruth(R) Announce Semi-Finalists for Baby Ruth Take Me Out to the Ballgame Video Contest
Grand Prize Winner Will Lead Crowd During 7th Inning Stretch of the 2008 All-Star Game
Major League Baseball Properties and Baby Ruth(R) today announced the semi-finalists in the nationwide Baby Ruth “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Video Contest. The semi-finalists represent some of baseball’s most creative and passionate fans. The national video contest is sponsored by Baby Ruth, the Official Candy Bar of Major League Baseball, in celebration of the song’s 100th anniversary. The semi-finalists’ videos were selected by a panel of judges from MLB, MLB.com and Baby Ruth.
Through June 30th, fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite video at MLB.com/babyruth. The three videos with the most votes will be deemed Finalists and perform on Monday, July 14th at 10am EDT in the finale judging event at the 2008 DHL All-Star FanFest during the 2008 All-Star Week, where a panel of judges will choose one grand prize winner. Each finalist will receive travel and hotel accommodations plus tickets to the 2008 DHL All-Star FanFest and All-Star Game for him/herself and a guest to New York City.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the singing of the beloved song during the 7th Inning Stretch of the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, the final season at the historic stadium.
A complete list of the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” finalists (in alphabetical order):
NAME VIDEO NAME HOMETOWN
Aaron Aviles I Just Love Life Los Angeles, CA
Christina D'Anza Baby Ruth, City to City Spotsylvania, VA
Tyler Duke Katie Casey Weston, WI
Crystal Gibbs Baby Ruth Checkers Fort Bragg, NC
Chad Gunderson All Star Dream Sherman Oaks, CA
Robert Huffman Katie Casey was Baseball Mad Birmingham, AL
(Harmonica)
Nick Straatmann A Trip Through History Villa Ridge, MO
Adam Wilbur Baby Ruth-ulele Medford, NY
Dave Zelechoski What Are You Waitin' For Lewisburg, PA
The “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” song was originally composed in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, neither of whom had ever been to a Major League Baseball game. The song is the third most frequently sung tune in the United States after “Happy Birthday” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” and has sold over 10 million copies in sheet music and/or records. Over the past one hundred years more than 400 musicians in every conceivable genre have recorded the song including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, LL Cool J, The Goo Goo Dolls and Jimmy Buffett. The original lyrics are now part of the collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library in Cooperstown.
Source: Major League Baseball Properties
Web site: http://www.mlb.com/
http://www.babyruth.com/