DATE: JUNE 7, 2002

MEDIA CONTACT: RAMONA VARGAS, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
(213) 989-2154 - CALL (323) 377-5432 FROM 6/10/02 TO 6/24/02

WWW.LAJCC.ORG
350 S. Bixel Street, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 888-52-LAWSG

35th ANNUAL L.A. WATTS SUMMER GAMES KICK OFF JUNE 14, 15, 16, 22, & 23
Largest High School Tournament in the Nation

LOS ANGELES - More than 7,000 high school students from throughout California will participate in the 2002 L.A. Watts Summer Games on June 14, 15, 16, 22 & 23 at L.A. Southwest College (1600 W. Imperial Hwy., L.A.), Cerritos College (11110 Alondra Blvd., Cerritos) and 14 area high schools.
Students will compete in 17 boys and girls sports events including cheerleading, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, softball, wrestling, water polo, volleyball, tennis, and track & field. The number of events, schools and students involved makes this the largest high school athletic competition in the nation.

While the Games continue to feature some of the top-ranked high school talent in the nation, it is not just an athletic competition. The Games also include sportsmanship awards, art competition, and scholarships. The Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, founder of the Games, is awarding $72,000 in scholarships to 32 students for their academic achievements and community service. Since its inception in 1992, the LAJCC has awarded more than $300,000.

This marks the 35th anniversary of the Games, will begin with a kick-off event: the 35th Anniversary Reception, Art Competition, and Scholarships Presentation on June 14, from at the Los Angeles Public Library (630 W. Fifth St., L.A.). Scheduled guests include State Senator Edward Vincent, State Assemblyman Jerome Horton, and Councilwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. Continuing the celebration on Finals Day, June 23, there will be entertainment and guest appearances from Al Downing, former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the brand new Los Angeles Sparks 18-wheeler to provide entertainment, give-aways and prizes.

Developed as a healing response to the 1965 Watts Riots, the mission of the Games is to build bridges of understanding among high school youth. The Games strive to promote positive interaction, respect and achievement through spirited competition in athletics, arts and scholastics. The Games are managed by a 60-person volunteer steering committee, 3 full-time staff, 1,000 volunteers and 600 volunteer CIF officials. More than 4,000 volunteer hours contribute to the success of the Games each year.
All events are free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the main venues. Updated schedules, brackets, and registered teams can be found on the Games website at www.lajcc.org, or call toll free for additional information: 888.52.LAWSG.

# # # #