BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 16, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- A spectacular gathering of LA's greatest athletes join together to celebrate today's most distinguished players, and to honor our rising superstars of tomorrow.
The celebrity-filled evening, with an attendance of 250 professional athletes, team alumni and sponsors, will be held on Sunday, January 19 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m. This exclusive event, presented by Sports Profiles Plus, will be aired as a one-hour special January 26 on KTTV and is by invitation only.
Joining the high-energy activities will be Former NBA great James Worthy, Tae Bo expert Billy Blanks, LA Sparks' Lisa Leslie, X-Games' Bucky Lasek, and legendary recording artist Smokey Robinson. In addition, former Raiders star Bob Golic, Chris Meyers (KMPC on-air personality), Alan Thicke, Tom Dreesen, and Adam West are just a few of the names that are expected to share their enthusiasm for up and coming athletes.
Determined by fan balloting, LA's MVP and Rising Star Awards are sure to cause a loud roar among the crowd. LA King Jason Allison, Laker Shaquille O'Neal and Anaheim Angel Garrett Anderson compete against each other for the first time, each vying to take home the coveted MVP Award.
The evening will also feature special tributes to LA's finest teams including the LA Lakers, who will be honored for their spectacular Three-peat, as well as be presented with the distinguished Team Achievement Award. In addition, a 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Dodger's infield will also be part of the black-tie festivities.
Always looking for ways to give back to the community that has so graciously supported them, the athletes have donated an exciting array of sports memorabilia to the evening's silent auction. With 100% of the proceeds going directly to the event's beneficiary, Special Olympics Southern California, the event is sure to be a winner.
"The Special Olympics program offers children and adults with mental disabilities year-round training and competition in 23 individual and team sports. Lessons learned in these sports translate into competence and success in school, the workplace, and in the community. Because of Special Olympics, the world has been able to witness the courage, dedication and dignity of more than a million athletes worldwide."
Citywide balloting this year is exclusively supported by Albertsons. Sports fans can stop into their favorite Albertsons during the designated balloting window to cast their vote, and by voting win tickets to the program, which is closed to the public.
For more information or media credentials please contact Jilka Pollack at 310-850-5688.