A&M International To Host Annual "Roundball on the Rio" Aug. 7 - 8

Texas A&M International University will host the annual "Roundball on the Rio" 3-on-3 street basketball tournament on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8.

The two-day tournament benefits the local chapter of Special Olympics Texas.

Dr. Charles Jennett, president of A&M International, said the University is honored to host such a worthy event.

"This will be the third year in a row that we've hosted 'Roundball on the Rio.' We're glad to help this organization because we know they help this community. Special Olympics Texas contributes to the development of people with mental retardation by providing them with opportunities to develop physical fitness, experience joy, and build friendships," explained Dr. Jennett.

"Roundball on the Rio" will feature competition in 12 divisions: men's open, men's under 18, men's over 40, women's open, women's under 18, corporate/business, media, sponsor, church, wheelchair, Unified Sports®, and Special Olympics.

Entry fee is $80 per team if entry fee and entry form is received during Regular Registration, ongoing through July 23. During Late Registration July 24 - 30, team entry fee is $90 per team. No entries will be accepted after July 30.

Entry forms are available at A&M International, all local Wendy's restaurants, FM 98 and Z-93 radio stations, City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Office and Farias, Hillside, Cigarroa, and Tarver Recreation Centers. Entry forms may also be obtained by fax by calling the local office of Special Olympics Texas at (956) 794-3230.

Maribel Santoya, Special Olympics Texas Area-21 director, encourages teams to register early.

"Over 200 teams participated in last year's 'Roundball on the Rio' tournament. We expect a capacity crowd again this year so teams should register as soon as possible to insure a spot in the tournament," said Santoya.

Registered teams should report to the Hillside Recreation Center, 320 Wyoming at McPherson, on Friday, Aug. 6 between 6 - 9 p.m. to pick up their playing schedules and complimentary T-shirts and goody bags. Out-of-town teams may also pick up their playing schedule and complimentary items at Texas A&M International University on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 8 - 9 a.m.

The two-day tournament will be held at the A&M International campus, on the concrete parking lot adjacent to the Kinesiology/Convocation Building, on Saturday, August 7 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon and 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, August 8 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon. An award ceremony will follow, with first and second place trophies to be awarded.

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

To volunteer for the event, please contact volunteer coordinator Sylvia Everett at 794-3223.

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