SGMA HEROES AWARDS NAMES DEANE, SHEPHARD AS WASHINGTON STATE WINNER

NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - October 24, 2000 - The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is proud to announce Deane Shephard as its 2000 SGMA HEROES Awards winner from the state of Washington. Shephard, who hails from Bremerton, was selected for his outstanding hard work and dedication to the Peninsula Rugby Club.

The SGMA HEROES Awards are presented annually to those special individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the pursuit of sports excellence, sportsmanship, participation or opportunity within their local community or beyond.

Shephard has been a one-man workhorse for the Peninsula Rugby Club. Every season he manages to recruit enough players to play in both the men's club and the high school club. He coaches and serves as president of both groups, while running the day-to-day operation of the teams.

As one of the 51 state winners (including the District of Columbia) for the SGMA HEROES Awards, Shephard will receive a $100 cash prize and $400 will be donated in his name to the Olympic Peninsula Sports Union. Shephard is also eligible to be selected as one of three national winners who will be honored during The Super Show/2001 in Las Vegas. Each national winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, with another $15,000 for his/her favorite sports charities.

The past winners for the SGMA HEROES Awards from the state of Washington include: 1994 - Ron Bolton, Seattle, area Little League baseball; 1995 - Jim Paton, Spokane, youth baseball in the community (National Winner); 1996 - Charlie Davis, Tacoma, director of the Tacoma Center YMCA; 1997 - Bill Roe, Bellingham, organized "All-Corners" track meet; 1998 - Rick Betts and Jerry Schmidt, Spokane, created Hoopfest; 1999 - Rod Dietz. Spokane, Spokane Sports Association.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGNM), owner of The Super Show, is the trade association of North American manufacturers, producers, and distributors of sports apparel, athletic footwear, fitness, and sporting goods equipment. SGMA represents and supports its members through programs and strategies for sports participation, market intelligence and public policy.

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