"Roundball on the Rio" Gears Up with Goodie Bag Pick Up July 31

"Roundball on the Rio" participants who have paid all registration fees may pick up bracketing schedules, T-shirts, and goodie bags at the Texas A&M International University campus, in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building, on Friday, July 31 between 5 - 9 p.m.

"Roundball on the Rio," a 3-on-3 street basketball tournament benefiting the Texas Special Olympics, will be held at A&M International on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2.

The two-day tournament will kick off with opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 1. Play will start at 8:30 a.m. on the concrete parking lot adjacent to the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

The tournament will feature competition in the following divisions: men's open, men's under 18, men's over 40, women's open, women's under 18, corporate, college/intramural, media, church, sponsor, unified, military, wheelchair, and Special Olympics.

Late entries will be accepted at International Bank of Commence Banquito Del Mar, 702 San Bernardo, by no later that July 30 at 12 noon. The $80 entry fee may be paid by cash, check or money order.

Over 200 teams are expected to participate in this 7th annual event.

Bleachers and tents will be set up for participants and spectators, and water stations will be located adjacent to the playing area. Food and refreshments will be sold.

The two-day tournament will culminate with an award ceremony on Sunday, August 2 at 3:30 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place. Trophy sponsor is A&M International.

Roundball on the Rio is sponsored by Texas A&M International University, International Bank of Commerce, Wendy's, Coca Cola Bottling Co. Inc., Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Standard Register. Mercy Health System of Texas, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Laredo Medical Group, Mercy Health Plans, FM 98, Guerra Communications, Z-93, Fiesta Fun Ice, Lighthouse Water Stations, Texas National Guard, Howard Johnson by the Rio Hotel, O'Boy Service Company, and Fiesta Housing.

For more information on "Roundball on the Rio," please call the local office of the Texas Special Olympics at (956) 763-5093, (956) 794-3230, or (956) 794-5675. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu