The Racquetball Crusade

Racquetball is a very special sport that combines athleticism, competitiveness, camaraderie, and a bond that is unique among those who play the sport. The sport is very simple for any beginner (and even children) to play; but at the highest level, racquetball offers intense athletic competition that is thrilling to watch. And best of all, racquetball offers one of the most intensive workouts you can find anywhere. Besides being easy to learn, it increases your cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. You burn as many as 800 calories an hour when playing.

There are five million people playing racquetball in the United States each year and growing. Action is being taken to help the sport grow and reach new heights. The sport is now expanding worldwide. The future looks very bright for racquetball.

There are a lot of people in the racquetball industry that care deeply about the sport and its future. Little by little people are joining forces to make an even bigger difference in the sport.

On September 17-20, 2009, there will be a Men's Professional Racquetball Tier One event in Terre Haute, Indiana, that will be a tournament for players by the players, fans, and people who care. All of the top-ranked men's and women's professionals will be in attendance to promote our charity event titled "Acing Autism" (or Athletes Against Autism).

This tournament will help raise awareness for autism. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others.

Some of the long-term racquetball goals associated with this tournament will include helping the sport grow in participation numbers, becoming a grand slam event that will offer more prize money than any of the grand slam events, building outdoor racquetball courts, starting a Racquetball Coaches of America fund, and going on from there. There is a lot of money at stake here; to be shared and used for racquetball growth.

There are several dedicated and inspirational people and companies that are helping our event bring an end to autism. The list of people and sponsors who have joined us on this crusade to take racquetball to a whole new level and reach unimaginable heights include:

Lawler Sports, Indiana www.lawlersports.com

Brett Gibson, Indiana www.bgibson.com

Chuck Rousenberg, Florida www.racquetexpress.net

Carter Green, Virginia www.rb4life.com

Vanessa Marlow, Brazil, Indiana

Larry Marlow, Brazil, Indiana

Terre Haute Convention Center and Visitors Bureau www.terrehaute.com

Without these people and companies this tournament could not be possible. Thank you ALL so much, and the sport thanks you as well. The more names you see here over time, the more of a success the tournament will be.

I look forward to having you participate in a spectacular event that will highlight your company and associate it with a reputable, charitable cause that will work on ending the misery of the children and the families of those who suffer from autism.

When you join our dedicated team, you will receive yearly updates on how much money we raise for our crusade.

It's all about helping racquetball grow and supporting children with autism. As such, it would be an honor to hear from you.

When would be a good time to talk?

Manny Rodriguez
Lawler Sports
manny@lawlersports.com
812-230-1437