Aflac Honors Nation's Best High School Baseball Players

-- Aflac announced today
during an on-field presentation held at Rangers Ballpark that RHP Matthew Graham (Oak Ridge HS) of Spring; LHP Matthew Purke (Klein HS) of Spring; OF Everett Williams (McCallum HS) of Austin; OF/RHP Jacob Morris (Coppell HS) and C/IF Jonathan Walsh (Coppell HS), both of Coppell; and OF/LHP Slade Heathcott (Texas HS) of Texarkana have been selected to the 2008 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game roster. The six stars were honored by Texas Rangers' second baseman Ian Kinsler, who presented them with their official team jerseys.

The premiere high school All-American game in the country, the Aflac
All-American Game will take place Saturday, Aug. 9 in Dodger Stadium and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Net at noon Pacific Time.

"We're excited to have named these outstanding ballplayers to the Aflac All-American roster at the tour stop in Texas and when they play the game in August, they will also be helping us in our fight against pediatric cancer," said Al Johnson, 2nd Vice President, Advertising and Branding at Aflac.


The annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game showcases 38 of the nation's top high school players in an East versus West matchup following their junior year. Aflac All-Americans are chosen by the experts at our official selection partner, Perfect Game USA, and in consultation with the staff at baseball's most influential magazine, Baseball America.

As part of Aflac's ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood
cancer, all game proceeds from the 2008 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game will benefit ThinkCure, the official charity of the Dodgers, which supports critical cancer research at City of Hope and Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Since 2005, the game has generated nearly $525,000 for charity.

Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith will return as this year's honorary
chairman, and in addition to promoting the game, will be on-site in Los
Angeles for game week activities. This is the second consecutive year that Smith has served as honorary chairman. Past honorary chairmen have included Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson (2006), Cal Ripken (2004-05) and Stan Musial (2003).

"I wish this game existed when I was in high school, as it's such a
tremendous opportunity for these young men to show their skills in front of a nationwide audience and MLB scouts," said Smith. "Aflac does a tremendous job promoting this game and working hard to support pediatric cancer research, and I'm proud to be a part of it once again."

The Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game is considered the
country's marquee prep All-American event. All participants must have just completed their junior year of high school, be in good academic standing and display redeeming qualities off the field that embody the ideals of the sport of baseball, including discipline, determination and hard work.

For more information and tour stop photographs, visit
http://www.aflacallamerican.com


SOURCE Aflac

Speedo(R) Unveils Team USA LZR RACER(TM) Suit for Beijing Olympics

Speedo, the world's leading
swimwear brand, today unveiled the special Olympic edition Team USA LZR RACER suit. Speedo worked with legendary design house Comme des Garcons to develop a one- of-kind look for Team USA featuring the red, white and blue
of the American flag.

The launch of the Team USA Speedo LZR RACER allows the original Comme des Garcons design to be finally revealed as the traditional gray and black silhouette has been updated with the patriotic stars and stripes of the USA flag. The design by visionary founder of Comme des Garcons, Rei Kawakubo, joins the distinctive metallic silver calligraphy that already appears on the suit. The calligraphy, painted by celebrated artist Inoue Yu-ichi, means 'kokoro' representing the heart, spirit and mind.

Rei Kawakubo said, "I was interested in expressing the energy and the power that comes from the spirit, embodied in the meaning of the calligraphy, together with the will to win for one's country, symbolized by the iconic flag of the USA. I am very honored and proud that Team USA will be performing in the pool in Beijing with this strong creative design."

Though the Team USA LZR RACER suit will not officially debut until Beijing, it is being unveiled now in conjunction with the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team Trials beginning June 29th in Omaha, Nebraska. Speedo's Team USA LZR RACER will be individually created for, and exclusively available to, all members of Team USA in Beijing.

"I've been wearing the Speedo LZR RACER suit for the past several months and I've had a lot of success in it," said U.S. Olympic Gold medalist and Speedo sponsored swimmer, Natalie Coughlin. "Not only is this the fastest suit out there but it now has a beautiful, patriotic feel to it which is very cool. I hope I have the opportunity to proudly swim in it in Beijing."

An unprecedented 38 world records have been broken by swimmers wearing the LZR Racer since its launch in February. Speedo harnessed the expertise of NASA and a number of international research institutes to create the suit which has 10% less passive drag* than Speedo's FASTSKIN FSII launched in 2004 and 5% less passive drag* than Speedo's FASTSKIN FS-PRO(R), which was launched in March 2007 and swimmers wearing it broke 21 World Records.

Made from an ultra lightweight, low drag, water repellent, and fast-drying fabric unique to Speedo called LZR PULSE(TM), the LZR RACER suit is the world's first fully bonded competition swimsuit. The suit is ultrasonically welded which gives the effect of no seams at all. Ultra low drag LZR panels are laminated onto the base fabric to create a Hydro Form Compression System helping to compress the entire swimmer's body into a more streamlined shape and enabling them to cut through the water with more
power and agility.

Source: Speedo

Synthetic Ice Brings Olympic Experience to North Carolina Kids

Ice Rink Engineering is making it possible for kids to enjoy hands-on hockey play this summer at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, N.C. The Marbles Kids Museum will be opening their "Marbles Olympics" summer exhibit, featuring the EZ Glide 350(TM) synthetic ice rink as "Center Ice" on July 12. The games will take place through August 24.

Kids will skate on the EZ Glide 350(TM) surface using their socks or supplied "booties."

Featuring Center Ice, Kids Decathlon, and Spirit of the Games, Marbles Olympics is the active summer sensation at the Marbles Kids Museum. Kids will enjoy hockey on a synthetic rink, negotiate the scooter kayak course, attempt a record-breaking leap in the long jump, and more.

Opening day activities include: a visit from Stormy, the Carolina Hurricanes' mascot; a hockey workshop with Carolina Hurricanes' staff; scooter kayak races; and Olympic decathlon relays.

The Marbles Olympics is presented by Wake Med Health and Hospitals; Center Ice is presented in partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes' Kids 'N Community Foundation.

This joint project would not be possible without the use of EZ Glide 350(TM) synthetic ice.

"With the use of EZ Glide 350(TM) synthetic ice, we are able to provide a non-refrigerated skating surface. And, together with the partnership of Marbles Kids Museum and the Carolina Hurricane's Kids 'N Community Foundations we are able to bring the experience of hockey team play to children who would not normally be exposed to it," Tami Durham, COO, Ice Rink Engineering, explains.

The EZ Glide 350(TM) synthetic ice skating surface is easily installed and requires no refrigeration or ongoing maintenance/resurfacing. This green technology saves energy.

Developed for any application or weather, EZ Glide 350 is made from an exclusive polymer compound that holds up to heavy commercial or residential use. Microscopic beading improves skating performance while an interlocking panel system makes installation fast, simple and ensures a tight seal between panels.

EZ Glide(TM) panels can be set up for temporary special events, or permanently installed for years of trouble-free use. EZ Glide is ideal for traveling theatrical skating shows as well as private or commercial hockey practice rinks and training facilities.

For more information, visit: www.EZGlide350.com.

Source: EZ Glide

Improve Hitter’s Timing with “Live” Pitcher Simulation - ProBatter PX2

The ProBatter PX2 Professional Baseball System combines Major League quality pitching with life-size images of actual pitchers throwing realistic pitches, all integrated through computer controls. In a unique process, the ball comes through the screen from the machine perfectly synchronized with the video image.

Use a variety of pitches, locations and sequences to simulate game-like conditions for better quality practice:

Pitch a fastball inside, followed by a slider down and out, then a 12-to-6 curveball down and out—in the normal game time interval between pitches. The ProBatter also offers a full range of pitcher images including, Left or Right-Handed pitchers and throwing from wind-up or the stretch to simulate real game conditions.

Use versatile control options to customize practice for each user:

Our system offers Manual, Auto or Repeat Modes. An enables user to select sequences on a pitch-by-pitch basis or use pre-established sequences. Select from 9 different pre-set User Levels, based on age and skill level, from Little League to advanced adult.

Source: ProBatter.com

Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer

Improve your batting average and slugging percentage with the Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer. This solo swing training machine is the ideal baseball swing trainer for batters who are serious about their games. The leaner, meaner, more durable model provides immediate feedback on bat speed and power. And the integrated ball and stick means you can practice alone--no more chasing balls!

Features:

• Heavy duty construction, but lightweight (37 pounds)--can be moved easily
• Rugged, non-slip 4-foot base for indoor/outdoor use
• Easy set up and storage--no tools needed
• Can be used for solo tee practice or as a dynamic moving target
• Multi-Twist design provides immediate feedback on your swing--more revolutions means greater bat speed
• Improve your bat speed and power--hit and see how far it twists
• Use it like a stationary or moving target
• Perfect for baseball or softball training
• Use almost anywhere
• Includes Hurricane unit with 3 power bands, home plate and carry bag
• Suitable for ages 5 and older

Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year: Chanelle Price

 Pennsylvania standout named nation's top high school performer

  -- In its third decade of honoring
the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in
partnership with RISE Magazine, today announced senior middle distance
runner Chanelle Price of Easton Area High School (Easton, Pa.) as its
2007-08 Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Price
becomes the first student-athlete from the state of Pennsylvania to win
Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors.

    The award, which recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high
standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on
and off the track, distinguishes Price as the nation's best high school
girls track & field athlete. A national advisory board comprised of
sportswriters and sport-specific experts from around the country helped
select Price from the more than 439,000 high school girls track & field
athletes nationwide. Price is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade
Female High School Athlete of the Year award, to be presented at a special
afternoon ceremony prior to The ESPY Awards in July.

    No stranger to international competition, the senior half-miler placed
sixth in the 800-meter run against a world-class field at the Prefontaine
Classic earlier this month with a time of 2:01.61, clocking the second-best
time in scholastic history and eclipsing a milestone set by track legend
Mary Decker. Shattering the state record and winning her third consecutive
gold medal in the 800-meter with a time of 2:02.90 at the PIAA Class AAA
state meet in May, Price helped the Red Rovers to a seventh-place finish as
a team. A two-time 800-meter champion at the Nike Outdoor Nationals, Price
also won the 800-meter event at the 2008 National Scholastic Indoor
Championships and the 2007 Nike Indoor Nationals. Price is a five-time
individual national champion and has qualified for the upcoming 2008 U.S.
Olympic Trials.

    Price has maintained a 99.28 average in the classroom, placing her in
the top five percent of her class. Easton Area's Homecoming and Prom Queen,
Price donates her time as a Special Olympics volunteer and as a local
Vacation Bible School counselor. A member of the Future Business Leaders of
America and the Key Club, she also participates in multiple
community-service initiatives as an inductee of the National Honor Society
and Spanish National Honor Society.

    "Price has not lost a race at the prep level all year and keeps
improving," said Joy Kamani of the National Scholastic Sports Foundation,
prep track's most prestigious meet organizer. "A consistent performer all
season long, who competently runs distances from 400 to 5000 meters, she
set a new prep record in the 500 meters indoors this year. Earlier this
month, she competed against some of the world's best elite 800-meter
runners, including the great (2000 Sydney Games Olympic Champion) Maria
Mutola, and powered to a 6th-place finish and a new personal-best of
2:01.61, which puts her No. 2 on the all-time high school list behind (the
late, two-time Olympian) Kim Gallagher. She is in a class of her own."

    Price has signed a National Letter of Intent to run at the University

Source: Gstorade

Olympic Hopeful or Recreational Player: Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports Program Helps Parents and Coaches Enhance a Child's Sports Experience

Award Nominations and Grant Applications Celebrating Coaches and
   Organizations Fostering Positive Youth Sports Environments Now Open at
                           ResponsibleSports.com

-- As our nation turns its attention to
the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, many of the more than 35 million U.S.
children who play youth sports will tune in to see who will become
America's newest athletic heroes, while at the same time dreaming of
someday achieving similar feats of glory themselves.

    While playing at this elite level is extremely rare -- just one in
50,000 high school athletes will ever become part of a professional team,
according to Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sports in
Society -- organized sports can positively impact children regardless of
playing ability. The caveat: children benefit most when there is good
teamwork between the coach, parents and community.

    The Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program, created in partnership
with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), US Youth Soccer, USA Football and
its new partner -- the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) -- provides
resources for parents and coaches at http://www.responsiblesports.com to
help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport. The online
community incorporates blogs and videos on youth sports topics that provide
practical, real-world advice. Parents and coaches also can complete
coursework that offers best practices for handling challenging sports
scenarios.

Source: Liberty Mutual

Fitness Anywhere, Maker of the TRX Suspension Trainer(TM), Releases Two New Specialized Training Programs

Fitness Anywhere, Inc., pioneers
of "Suspension Training(R)," a new category of physical conditioning born
within the US Navy SEAL teams, has just released two new programs that
demonstrate the versatility of the TRX Suspension Trainer(TM). The TRX is
the original bodyweight-based, performance training tool that delivers a
total-body workout, yet is completely portable and can be used almost
anywhere.

 Both of these new programs feature former tennis pro, corrective
exercise specialist and IDEA Trainer of the Year Justin Price. Each package
includes a full featured DVD and a comprehensive, full-color printed
exercise guide. TRX(R) Biomechanics: Healthy Back focuses on how to build
back strength, alignment, flexibility and range of motion to improve
performance and reduce the chance for injury. TRX(R) Performance: Tennis
features a 40-minute real- time Suspension Training(R) workout with cardio
drills designed to mimic actual tennis strokes and footwork to improve
on-court performance.

 The TRX(R) Suspension Trainer(TM) is a versatile and portable physical
training tool whose patented design is constructed of soft industrial
strength nylon webbing that is non-elastic. Users leverage gravity and
their own bodyweight to create the desired amount of resistance in any
exercise. As users improve their strength-to-weight ratio they can choose
from hundreds of all-body exercises and simply adjust their body position
to make each movement more challenging.

 The TRX(R) Biomechanics: Healthy Back DVD, TRX(R) Performance: Tennis
DVD and complete line of TRX(R) products, training programs and accessories
can be purchased directly from Fitness Anywhere, Inc. online at
http://www.fitnessanywhere.com. For more information on TRX(R) Suspension
Training(R) Courses, volume pricing or web affiliate distribution
opportunities, call the company at (888) 878-5348 or email
info@fitnessanywhere.com.

SOURCE Fitness Anywhere Inc.

Recently Launched Youth Sports Video Community is Growing Up

SportZu.tv, a video based sports
community focused on youth athletes, coaches, and parents to educate and
entertain is beginning to emerge and make a name for itself. The name may
sound funny now, (pronounced Sport Zoo) but with the fresh addition of
bleeding edge site functionality and user options, daily video content, an
industry solid advisory board and recently added professional and amateur
sports partners, SportZu.tv is positioned to expand beyond its Colorado
roots and into Toronto and beyond.

   SportZu.tv CEO, David Ehrlich, remarked, "It has been an unbelievable
experience to view the warm reception by our individual users and
professional and amateur sports partner organizations. We have been
fortunate that many of our early adopting partners have now become
advocates of SportZu.tv to peers and even competitive sports organizations.
This feedback and outreach support has propelled our North American launch
plans quicker than our team could have projected." SportZu.tv has recently
signed exclusive partnerships with the Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football
League), Toronto Rock (National League Lacrosse) and PlaySoccer.ca (the
largest youth Canadian youth soccer organization).
  

   Learn more about SportZu.tv at http://www.SportZu.tv

SOURCE SportZu.tv

Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year: Kyle Skipworth

California standout named nation's top high school performer

In its third decade of honoring the nation's best high school athletes,
The Gatorade Company, in partnership with RISE Magazine, today
announced senior catcher Kyle Skipworth of Patriot High School
(Riverside, Calif.) as its 2007-08 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year.

   Skipworth becomes only the second student-athlete from California ever
to win Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year recognition, joining
former NFL quarterback and Major League Baseball reliever Chad Hutchinson
(1994-95, Torrey Pines HS/San Diego).

   The award, which recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high
standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on
and off the field, distinguishes Skipworth as the nation's best high school
baseball player. A national advisory board comprised of sportswriters and
sport-specific experts from around the country helped select Skipworth from
the more than 477,000 high school baseball players nationwide. Skipworth is
now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the
Year award, to be presented at a special afternoon ceremony prior to The
ESPY Awards in July.

   The 6-foot-4, 200-pound senior catcher produced a .543 batting average,
51 runs scored, 47 RBI and 13 home runs, leading the Warriors to a 27-3
record and the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section
Division IV state postseason tournament semifinals. A projected first-round
pick in this week's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft,
Skipworth compiled a 1.117 slugging percentage and .627 on-base percentage
this spring. An Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic selection,
the left-handed-hitting Skipworth set a California state record when he put
together a streak of 18 consecutive hits in 18 official at-bats this
spring. He reached safely in 25 straight plate appearances during the span.

   In only his second season as a full-time catcher after playing left
field and third base as an underclassman, Skipworth was rated the No. 1
throwing arm at last summer's 17-and-Under World Wood Bat Association
(WWBA) Championships in Georgia. He gunned down more than 70-percent of
would-be base-stealers in his career.

   A 2007 Area Codes Games participant, Skipworth helped the 2007 USA
Baseball Junior National Team to a bronze medal at the COPABE "AAA" Pan
American Junior Championships in Mexico. During the offseason, the Jurupa
Little League product also played for the Angels Elite Scout Team and the
ABD Bulldogs travel team. In the summer of 2006, Skipworth was a standout
for the gold-medal-winning Team USA squad at the COPABE "AA" (Under-16)
Youth Pan American Championships in Venezuela.

   Skipworth has maintained a 3.81 GPA in the classroom. He donates his
time generously to the Jurupa PONY League Pinto Division as a volunteer
coach, volunteer umpire and youth instructor.

   "He's the whole package," said Head Coach of rival Orange Lutheran High
School Mike Grahovac. "Being a former catcher I can really appreciate
everything that he's been able to accomplish. Kyle's just a tremendous
athlete with a great arm behind the plate. Offensively, he can just
flat-out hit."

   Skipworth has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at
the Arizona State University this fall, but is also projected as a
first-round selection in this week's Major League Baseball First-Year
Player Draft.

   "Without question, Kyle is deserving of recognition as the nation's
best high school baseball player based on his statistics on the field and
the impact his play had on Patriot's success," said Gatorade Senior Vice
President of Sports Marketing Jeff Urban. "But he is also a shining example
to peers and aspiring young players of what a leader and a student-athlete
should be. He represents everything we hope for in a Gatorade Player of the
Year recipient."

Source: Gatorade

Athletes what are you doing this summer?

Bring your game to a whole new level this summer!

Sports are fun. And even more fun when you get better. The experienced, positive and passionate US Sport Camps coaches at over 400 camps will help you become a better, more inspired athlete. And you'll have the best time of your life as you gain new skills and make new friends. We have a camp just for you!

http://www.ussportscamps.com/

Japanese companies unveil high-tech swimsuits

Three Japanese sportswear manufacturers have launched high-tech swimsuits to compete with the new Speedo LZR Racer.

The swimsuits were introduced Friday by Mizuno Corp., Asics Corp. and Descente Ltd. in a presentation to the Japan Swimming Federation.

The federation has contracts requiring Japanese national team swimmers to wear suits made by domestic companies.

The Speedo LZR racer has made a huge splash, with 37 out of 41 world records set since February made by swimmers wearing the suit. In previous Olympic years, about five world records are typically set leading up to the Games.

Last month the Canadian men's 400-metre medley relay team wore the new suits at the CN Swimming Trials in Montreal and cut three full seconds off the Canadian record.

Critics of the suit claim that it makes swimmers more buoyant, but FINA, the international swimming governing body, has ruled that Speedo's design is legal. The group will meet on June 3 in Lausanne, Switzerland, to rule on the new competing suits.

Mizuno's new design uses materials that put pressure on the body, decreasing water resistance. Mizuno is the swimsuit supplier for Japanese Olympic breaststroke champion Kosuke Kitajima.

Descente unveiled three new designs, while Asics unveiled two, including one that triples the amount of pressure on the legs.

The new Japanese suits will be seen at the Japan Open in Tokyo from June 6-8.

Nike, Adidas, and Italian swimsuit manufacturer Diana are also working on designs to compete with the LZR Racer.

With files from the Associated Press