FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: JUNE 18, 2004

MEDIA CONTACT: RAMONA VARGAS, PROGRAM MANAGER
(323) 377-5432

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

HOME DEPOT CENTER TO HOST OLYMPIC-STYLE L.A. WATTS SUMMER GAMES

LOS ANGELES - More than 7,000 high school students from throughout California will participate in the largest, goodwill high school tournament in the nation. The 2004 L.A. Watts Summer Games will take place on June 19, 20, 26 & 27 at the Home Depot Center (18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson), Los Angeles Southwest College and several area high schools. Athletes will compete in 17 boys and girls sports events including basketball, soccer, football, baseball, softball, cheerleading, wrestling, water polo, volleyball, tennis, and track & field.

The festivities will kick off with the Opening Ceremonies on June 19th at the Home Depot Center beginning at 10 a.m. The program will include an address by Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald and a special presentation to L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. Supervisor Burke will be awarded the Games’ highest honor – the Florence Griffith Joyner Alumni Award. The award specifically honors and acknowledges the achievements of past Games athletes and individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the Games. During many years, Supervisor Burke has demonstrated honor, integrity and commitment to building bridges in the community. In addition, William E. Sims, one of the originators of the Games in 1968, will also be honored for his contribution to the youth of the Los Angeles community.

To add to the excitement, there will be a Games Festival near the track stadium filled with interactive games, sponsor booths, concessions, prizes and giveaways.

With a prestigious list of alumni including Lisa Leslie, Byron Scott, Florence Griffith Joyner, John Elway, and Valerie Brisco Hooks, to name only a few, the Games are an opportunity to see potential Olympians or professional athletes. 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, which are given to one athlete in each sport division for their exemplification of the Games credo, which states, “I will play fair, respect my opponent, win with integrity, lose with dignity, above all, pursue the game with honor.”

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.

All events are free and open to the public. Parking is free at all venues and food and beverages are available for purchase at the Home Depot Center. Schedules and brackets can be found on the Games website at www.lajcc.org.