July 16, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY

Matt Barnes & Bobby Jackson Inaugural Athletes vs Cancer Golf Invitational

NBA players Bobby Jackson and Matt Barnes will host their Inaugural Athletes vs Cancer Golf Invitational presented by Thunder Valley Casino on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville, CA.  All proceeds from the event will benefit families affected by cancer in the Northern California region.

“One of the main reasons I am excited for the Inaugural Athletes vs Cancer Golf Invitational is because of Matt and me coming together in honor of our moms who passed away from cancer,” said Bobby Jackson. “We want to put something on for the community but most importantly raise awareness for this deadly disease. Everyone should come out to have a great time but also so we can all learn how together we can fight cancer. ”

“There is nothing like losing your mother,” said Matt Barnes. “I hope through our efforts and my Foundation we can help ensure fewer people lose their loved ones to cancer.”

Jackson and Barnes created the event in memory of their mothers, both of whom died from of cancer.  Sarah Jackson lost her long battle to breast cancer on January 20, 2003.  Ann Barnes passed away from lung cancer on November 27, 2007 after being diagnosed only 26 days earlier.  As a result, both athletes know first hand the experience of losing a loved one to this terrible disease.  Event proceeds will benefit each player’s respective charity, the Bobby Jackson Foundation and Matt Barnes Foundation, which supports families affected by cancer through screenings, awareness and scholarships.

The Athletes vs Cancer Golf Invitational presented by Thunder Valley Casino will feature some of the biggest name in sports including current NBA players:  Matt Barnes, Bobby Jackson, Kevin Martin, Grant Hill, Gilbert Arenas, Nate Robinson, Stephen Jackson, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, Jason Thompson, Jason Richardson, Ricky Davis, Kelenna Azubuike, Monta Ellis, Ryan Hollins,  Donte Greene, Al Harrington, Stromille Swift, Spencer Hawes, DeMarcus Nelson, Tyson Chandler, Jamal Crawford and Josh Powell.  Retired NBA players scheduled to appear include: Chris Webber, Doug Christie, Mitch Richmond, Mateen Cleaves, Bill Cartwright, Dan Majerle, Austin Croshere and Harold Pressley.  Sports commentators Steve Lavin, J.A. Adande, Grant Napear and Mike Lamb will be participating along with Sacramento Kings owner Gavin Maloof.

A limited number of spectator tickets will be sold to the public.  Tickets are on sale now.  Tickets are $15 each for all ages. Tickets may be purchased at the Maidu Community Center, Roseville Sports Center, Roseville Parks & Recreation Office (316 Vernon Streeet, Roseville) and www.placertourism.com. Discounted tickets are available at Thunder Valley Casino Gift Shop for $12 each.  Parking and free shuttle will be available the day of the event at Woodcreek High School and Mahany Park in Roseville, CA.  Foursomes and sponsorships are also available by calling 877.907.2821.

This first time event would not be possible without the tremendous support of its partners including: Title Sponsor Thunder Valley Casino, Roseville Automall City of Roseville, Placer Valley Tourism, Woodcreek Golf Club, Sports1140 AM, News10, Sactown Magazine, California Family Fitness, Vitamwater, Nos Energy Drink, EA Sports, Nike Golf, Metro PCS, Buzz Oates Real Estate, Red Robin Restaurants, Flex-Power, Fuze, Neumann Limousine, Guzetta & Co. Jewelers and Elusion Clothing.

Jackson is a 12-year veteran of the NBA averaging nearly ten points along with three assists a game.  Jackson attended the University of Minnesota leading the Gophers to their only NCAA Final Four appearance in 2007.  He was the 23rd overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.  Over his NBA career, Jackson has played for Denver, Minnesota, Memphis, New Orleans, Houston and two different stints with Sacramento including an appearance in the 2002 Western Conference Finals.  Jackson is the first player in Sacramento team history and only the second point guard in league annals to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2002-03.  In, 2004 Jackson established the Bobby Jackson Foundation in memory of his mother Sarah Jackson.  Jackson is originally from North Carolina. He resides in Sacramento, CA.

Matt Barnes is a six-year veteran of the NBA averaging ten points and five rebounds a game during the 2008-09 NBA season.  He played collegiate basketball at UCLA and helped lead the Bruins to three consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances in the NCAA Tournament.  Barnes NBA career includes playing for the LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and most recently the Phoenix Suns. In 2009, Barnes established the Matt Barnes Foundation in memory of his mother Ann Barnes. He attended Del Campo High School and currently resides in Sacramento, CA.

For more information, go to www.athletesvscancer.com or call 877.907.2821.  Athletes vs Cancer Golf Invitational is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/athletesvscancer.

Media requesting interviews with Matt Barnes and Bobby Jackson or who wish to obtain credentials for the event, please contact Erika Bjork at 916.606.4554 or eabjork@aol.com.