OPENING CEREMONY MARKS START OF 2008 Tesoro TAAF GAMES OF TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (July 21, 2008) An opening ceremony with a parade of athletes led by the lively rhythm group Samba Vida featuring Olympian Josh Davis and entertainment by Radio Disney's performance troupe will mark the official start of 2008 Tesoro TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Games of Texas. The celebration of Texas athletes will be capped off with the official lighting of the Games of Texas cauldron and a spectacular fireworks display. The opening ceremony is Friday, July 25 at Nelson Wolff Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Admission is open to the public. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children and may be purchased at the gate. Stan Kelly, the voice of the San Antonio Spurs, Missions and News Radio 1200, will emcee the evening's affair.

The city will welcome thousands of athletes competing in more than 15 events and participating in the largest multi-sporting event in the State of Texas, July 24-27. The Games are hosted by the San Antonio Sports Foundation and San Antonio Parks and Recreation and are patterned after the Olympic Games, making the Games of Texas the ultimate sports festival for Texas' many amateur athletes. Event tickets, including an all-venue pass or day pass, can be purchased at individual venues.

Amateur athletes may participate in events which don't require qualifying. These include golf, badminton, bowling, fencing, ice hockey, judo, kickball, soccer, and many others. A list of sports can be found at www.SanAntonioSports.org. The web site lists each sport, the sport's coordinator and the entry procedure. The sports will be played in San Antonio's best facilities, parks, and athletic centers.

To find out more information on the 2008 Tesoro TAAF Games of Texas and to register, go to www.SanAntonioSports.org or call the San Antonio Sports Foundation at 210-820-2100.