Contact: Kevin Coulthart Central Commission (407) 648-4900 ext. 13 [email protected] www.mascotgames.org Facebook/CelebrityMascotGames

For Immediate Release

FURRY FRIENDS RETURN FOR CELEBRITY MASCOT GAMES

(July 5, 2012 - Orlando, Florida)---The family event of the summer returns to Central Florida July 19-21, when mascots from around the country compete in the 20th Annual Celebrity Mascot Games. The 2012 Mascot Roster features mascots from Major League , the NFL, NBA, NCAA and the NHL. Mascots will compete against each other in a variety of wild & wacky games, including an obstacle course, hungry hungry mascots and an inflatable joust, to see who is the true champion of the mascot world. The ’s good luck charm and hometown favorite, Gina Incandela will be performing the National Anthem on Friday, July 20th and performing at halftime on Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st. Proceeds from the event will again benefit New Hope for Kids, a Central Florida organization that grants wishes and offers specialized grief support for children and families. Click HERE to read an inspiring article and better understand how the relationship between the Mascot Games and New Hope for Kids has been benefited the local community. General admission tickets are only $10 for all shows. Reserved seats for the Saturday show only are available for just $16. Tickets are available for advance purchase through Ticketmaster and at the Box Office. Tickets are also available at the Edmunds Center and Amway Center Box Office the days of the shows.

2012 Celebrity Mascot Games July 19, 2012 Edmunds Ctr. - Stetson Univ. 12:30 p.m. July 20, 2012 Amway Center 12:30 p.m. July 21, 2012 Amway Center 2:00 p.m. -more-

2012 Mascot Roster (subject to change)

Carolina Hurricanes (Stormy) Univ. of Florida (Alberta) (Stanley C. Panther) Univ. of Florida (Albert) Fort Worth Cats (Dodger) Univ. of Kansas (Baby Jay) Louisiana State Univ. (Mike the Tiger) Univ. of Kansas (Big Jay) Orlando Magic (Stuff) Univ. of Kentucky (Wildcat) (Klaw) Univ. of Miami (Sebastian the Ibis) Orlando Solar Bears (Shades) Univ. of Nebraska (Lil Red) (Tommy Tar) Univ. of North Florida (Ozzie) Stetson University (John B) Univ. of Oregon (The Duck) (Capt. Fear) Univ. of South Florida (Rocky) (Thunderbug) Univ. of Wisconsin (Bucky Badger) Texas Rangers (Rangers Captain) Vancouver Canucks (Fin) Toronto Blue Jays (Ace) Western Kentucky (Big Red) UCF Knights ()

The Celebrity Mascot Games are hosted by the Central Florida Sports Commission. The annual event has raised nearly $300,000 for New Hope for Kids.

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