press release 1
Sample copy for a general, event release:

Basic "Who, what, where, when, how" -- The [Club Name] will host the [#, or year (1999)] [Event Title] racquetball tournament, [sponsored by], on [date]. The event will offer [special features: charity benefits, cash prizes, # of divisions] to players from [local/surrounding areas].
-- Info on defending champions, or promising contenders if defenders are not slated to return. Quotes from players. Injury reports. Special interests.
-- Mention event calendar, to suggest more, ongoing events. Subsequent local, state, regional, national competitions.
-- Close with contact sponsors, contact info.

SAMPLE: The Lynmar Racquet & Health Club will host the 5th Annual "Lynmar Classic" Racquetball Tournament, sponsored by Eddie Meredith Construction, on November 18-21. The event will offer over $2,000 in cash prizes to winners in four open singles and doubles events, plus in two "surprise" divisions (to be drawn after competition has begun). Over 150 competitors from Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo are expected to compete in 23 singles and doubles divisions.

Defending Open division champions Eddie Meredith and Sue Linn, both from Colorado Springs, will be on hand to attempt "back-to-back" title wins. Meredith, a local building contractor, has been involved in hosting this event - as well as competing - for the past three years. "I like to give back to the sport," said Meredith "and I can't think of any better way than putting some cash incentives in front of some of the state's best players and watching them do their best to win it."

Left-hander Sue Linn, recovering from a severe bout with tendonitis, will attempt to outsmart her challengers in the Women's Open to take home another gold. "I'm not at 100% just yet," she admitted, "but if I have my feet under me and get a chance to end a rally, I will." Barb Sims, current women's 40+ champ, hopes that it won't be that easy. "Sue has a strong game, but if her shots are even a bit off, she'll have her hands full this year."

The event is the third USRA sanctioned tournament on this season's schedule, and will be a "warm-up" for players who plan to go on to the Promus U.S. OPEN in Memphis the following weekend. The Colorado Racquetball Association has a full event calendar into 2000, including state singles and doubles, and will field at least a dozen players into subsequent regional and national competitions later in the season.

The "Lynmar Classic" is supported by: [list sponsors]. For more information, or to enter, contact Tony Palazzari at [phone #].

press release 2
Sample copy for a personalized, athlete release:

Local Undergrad Holds his Own -- Houston's Elan Levy had his chances, not many, but opportunities did exist to provide one of the greatest first-round upsets in the racquetball history. Levy, a graduating senior at St. John's High School, fell 15-5, 15-10 to 14th-seeded Rocky Carson in Wednesday's first round of the Ektelon 32nd U.S. National Singles Racquetball Championships at the Houston Downtown YMCA.

After putting up little fight in the first game against the 20-year old former world junior champion from Santa Maria, Calif., Levy fought hard to gain the respect of his local crowd. Set to attend the Ivy League's University of Pennsylvania next fall, Levy battled the savvy Californian to ties at 4-4 and 5-5 before eventually bowing to the more powerful Carson.

"Rocky's the kind of guy that whenever you have a chance, you have to capitalize on it," Levy said. "I just gave it everything I had on every point. Coming out, I knew that was the only way I was going to win." With the win, Carson advanced into the men's open round of 32.

Finalists in the men's and women's open divisions will compete in this summer's Pan American Games in Winnipeg. For Levy, he will continue to compete in the men's 24-and-under division along with the open consolation.

"Coming out here against Rocky, I knew that I could compete with him," said Levy, 18, who started in centerfield for the St. John's baseball squad and hit .420 this past season. "The hometown crowd - I had some friends here - makes it a lot of fun, too. "The only way I can get better is to come out here against guys like Rocky, who have been there, have the experience and play the top guys."

Levy's play impressed his world-class opponent. "Since the last time I saw Elan play (about six months ago) his game has gone from high-A (level) to a solid open player," Carson said. "His short game up front was incredible - cutting balls off and getting to almost everything. At times, he put me in awkward spots and that's what the pros do to me." Carson, an amateur by status, finished the 1998-99 professional tour season ranked 11th in the world.

press release 3

View sample copy ("Finals & Finishers") for a final, results release: [Be sure to include full name (first/last, no abbreviations), hometown and scores in all results! No scores=no coverage].

media kit [ USRA | Racquetball Magazine ]

Package these materials in a pocket folder (dress it up or down, as you like, with logo stickers, business cards, pre-printed graphics):
• press releases
• player bios, photos
• press clippings, reprints
• club brochures, promotional material
• state newsletters
• RACQUETBALL magazine

references

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