The Katherine M. York Adaptive Aquatic Center opens Wednesday, June 2, 2010 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 am. Tours of the facility and festival activities will continue until 4:00 pm. Activities are free and open to the public.

The new pool, commonly known as Katie's Pool, will feature a 34' by 60' swimming pool. The temperature will be 88-90 degrees, the optimal temperature for individuals with blood pressure and joint issues. It will feature a 42-foot ramp into the shallow end of the pool. The new facility will provide handicap accessible changing rooms, including a lift system that will enable a wheelchair-bound individual to be more easily assisted within the changing room. The facility will also include therapy rooms and office space.

For more information, click here or contact The Family Y at 706.922.9622.

The Augusta Sports Council will award the 19th annual Greater Augusta Medals for Excellence in Sports (GAMES Awards) at our sports awards banquet on Tuesday May 11, 2010 at the Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites in Downtown Augusta.

The ceremony will also feature special guest Cal Ripken, Jr.  Ripken is first and foremost known for his many achievements in baseball which span 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.  Since being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, Ripken has gone on to add the title of author, philanthropist, and Chairman and CEO of Ripken Baseball Inc. to his name.

The GAMES Awards have been presented since 1992. The annual program was created to highlight the outstanding amateur athletes that represent a broad spectrum of sports disciplines in the CSRA. Awards are presented to high school athletes in the categories of All-Around Athlete, Outstanding Athlete, Rising Star and Outstanding Team.  Special recognition is also paid to outstanding high school coaches, in addition to club sport, collegiate and adaptive athletes.

The GAMES Awards banquet is open to the public.  Check-in and a social hour will open at 6:30 PM, with dinner and program beginning promptly at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $45 for Sports Council members and $50 for non-members.  Tables of 8 are also available. Please call 706.722.8326 x 231 for reservations.