Snellville Fighters in Atlanta Event

July 29, 2008

Snellville fighters Tim Hart and Josh Shaddock will be fighting Friday, August 1 2008 at Center State Atlanta in an event called “Extreme Muay Thai Fights”

About the Fighters

Josh Shaddock of Lawrenceville has been training in Mauy Thai for 3 years and has an amateur record of 3-4. Josh will be facing Stephen Upchurch in a bout scheduled for the 155 lb division.

Tim Hart of Loganville is the owner and head instructor at Bulldog Kickboxing in Snellville. He will be making his professional debut against Mike Maniaci scheduled for the 178 lb division. Tim has been training Muay Thai for 5 years and opened Bulldog Kickboxing in 2007. He has an amateur record of 4-4, one of which includes an international fight.

Tickets

Tickets for Friday’s event can be purchased in the “Events” section of www.bulldogkickboxing.net.

Written by steve · Filed Under Sports

Snellville Home to Unusual Sport

June 19, 2008

Sepak takraw, better known as kick volleyball, is a national sport played in Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Now, it is coming to Gwinnett County and the city of Snellville.

Combining the elements of soccer and volleyball, it is a sport played with three players on each side of the net and a ball made of synthetic fiber or one woven layer. Allowed to only use your head, feet, knees and chest to score points, the most skilled perform acrobatic feats which include such tricks as bicycle kicks.

Amphone Sengchanh, 42, learned the sport in his hometown Vientiane in central Laos and while playing it in a refugee camp in Thailand. He came to the US at the age of 12. “I still remember watching the tournaments inside a temple near my house in Vientiane and playing my first game when I was 10 while living in the refugee camp.” Now he is one ofabout 20 fellow countrymen who play Sepak takraw at a Snellville-based Buddhist temple Monday through Friday.

Sengchanh states, “It is a sport played primarily by those from my Laos and other Southeast Asian countries … But my goal is to introduce this sport to more Americans and more cultures. People who watch us play are amazed by what they see.”

Written by stacey · Filed Under Sports

Ground Broken for Gwinnett Braves New Stadium

June 5, 2008

Ground was broken for the new AAA Gwinnett Braves stadium in Lawrenceville on Tuesday, June 3rd. The groundbreaking ceremony commenced with a barbershop quartet signing “Hi Neighbor” followed by “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”.

The $45 million stadium will hold thousands of fans. The stadium is expected to be finished for opening day in April 2009.

Written by stacey · Filed Under News, Sports

Jason Elam Returns to Atlanta

March 25, 2008

Former Brookwood High student and Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam joined the Atlanta Falcons today. He agreed to a four year $9 million deal as the team bolstered another need position with the signing of the 38 year old veteran.

The Broncos had tried to re-sign Elam in the past few weeks, but it is rumored they were unwilling to pay close to what Atlanta was offering. Elam also had doubts about his future with the Broncos after being asked to take a pay cut last year.

Completing four game-winning field goals last season solidified his repution as one the best clutch kickers in the NFL. Elam is fifth in field goals and sixth in points, while contributing 15 consecutive 100 point seasons for the Broncos.

Elam grew up in Snellville, and went to Brookwood High School, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him. “I am happy with the way things ended in Denver, but now, I am excited that the Falcons are excited about me.” Elam was quoted saying earlier today.

Atlanta had to call on Morten Andersen last year after failing to find a reliable younger player at the position. While his accuarcy was as good as ever, Andersen’s leg strength as he aged had been a concern. Elam’s signing should negate any of Atlanta’s kicking worries for the next few years.

Written by steve · Filed Under Sports

2008 Run The Reagan a Big Success

March 2, 2008

2,400 runners took part in this year’s Run the Reagan race - the biggest participation yet.

About 800 runners competed for times on Saturday in the 10K part of the event. Their main goal was to move to the front of the mass of 55,000 runners expected to participate in the Peachtree Road Race six months from now. There were also Half-marathon, 5k, and 1 mile fun runs.