Nation’s largest adventure racing series selects Knoxville to host 2013 Championship

Posted by Erin Freeman – June 11, 2013

From l to r: Peter Jolles, Checkpoint Tracker; Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County; Commissioner Mike Brown, Knox County (back); Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, City of Knoxville (back); Councilman Finbarr Saunders, City of Knoxville (back); Mayor Madeline Rogero, City of Knoxville; Carol Evans, Legacy Parks Foundation

Knoxville, Tenn. — Today, officials with Legacy Parks Foundation, the City of Knoxville and Knox County Government announced that up to 200 of the best adventure racers in North America will come together in Knoxville on Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 12 to compete for the 2013 Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing Championship.  Checkpoint Tracker is the nation’s largest competitive adventure racing series with sanctioned events and six divisions across the country and includes the annual season-ending Checkpoint Tracker Championship.

Checkpoint Tracker boasts the largest online community of active adventure racers in North America with more than 10,000 active members.  The championship is slated to bring the most accomplished group of adventure race enthusiasts to Knoxville.

According to Peter Jolles, course director of Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing, adventure racing, commonly described as a long distance, endurance competition traditionally involves the combination of two or more “human-powered” outdoor sporting disciplines, including but not limited to orienteering, trail running, trekking, mountain biking, white or flat-water paddling, rappelling/ascending, river boarding and swimming.

“The goal is for racers to complete a designated course in a pre-determined amount of time while transporting all of their gear, food and water with no outside assistance,” said Jolles.  “The diversity of these activities and format make it fun and challenging for the competitors, but also shine a light on how important and difficult it is to find the right location for an adventure racing event.”

“When we met with Legacy Parks Foundation, the State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Ackermann PR and therefore saw what Knoxville had to offer, we knew we’d found exactly what we were looking for as the ideal host city for our 2013 championship,” said Paul Angell, president of Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing. “Knoxville offers the amenities, accommodations and quick access to the terrain that we need, and provides a compelling urban setting for a fun, high-energy, outdoor event.  By leveraging the surrounding mountains, rivers and forests, we’ve been able to design a championship-caliber course worthy of the best adventure racers on the North American continent.”

During Knoxville’s 2013 Checkpoint Tracker Championship, individuals, two-person and four-person, co-ed and same sex teams will be required to navigate a 100-mile, non-stop course by map and compass from checkpoint to checkpoint in under 30 hours, explains Jolles.  Scheduled activities will include trekking, caving, orienteering, mountain biking, paddling, rappelling, ascending and a mystery; the first team to the finish line with the most checkpoints will be declared the 2013 Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing champions.

“Bringing the 2013 Checkpoint Tracker Championship to Knoxville is a big win for our area,” said Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.  “Through this event, we’ll reach some of the world’s premier adventure racers thus enabling them to experience the uniqueness of the Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and beyond.”

According to Evans, for less intense adventure racers, the championship weekend will also include the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Challenge which is a 20-30 mile course utilizing Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and designed to be completed in six hours or less. Scheduled activities for the Challenge will include trail running, mountain biking, orienteering and paddling, and there will be a set course with no navigation skills or GPS required.

“Over the past year and a half, and under the leadership of those actively involved with the promotion of Legacy Parks Foundation, Outdoor Knoxville and Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Knoxville has made great strides in positioning itself as one of Tennessee’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, said Susan Whitaker, Commissioner of the State of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, who was unable to attend the announcement but contributed comments.

For more information or to register for the 2013 Checkpoint Tracker Championship, visit http://www.checkpointtracker.com/events/checkpoint-tracker-championship. A full schedule of the weekend’s events will be released later this summer.

###

About Checkpoint Tracker:

Checkpoint Tracker is a national adventure racing series offering rankings in six divisions and an annual championship. It includes the largest online community of adventure racers in North America, a web application for racers, teams and promoters and a mobile application for fans.

About Legacy Parks Foundation:

Legacy Parks Foundation is a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. During the past five years, Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $3 million for parks, greenways and recreational venues, added more than 200 acres of parkland to Knox County and helped protect nearly 1,000 acres of farm and forestland in East Tennessee.

Media: For high-resolution digital images, interviews or additional information, contact Erin Freeman at (865) 584-0550 or efreeman@ackermannpr.com.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Knoxville Force host Chattanooga while Lady Force make home debut

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 29, 2013

Knoxville, Tenn. – Coming off a draw in their first game of the 2013 season, the Knoxville Lady Force are set to begin their home schedule this Saturday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. against Alabama FC. Shortly after, the Knoxville Force will play host to their arch rivals from just down I-75, Chattanooga FC, at 7:30 p.m.

“Saturday night is shaping up to be a fantastic night for competitive soccer in the area,” said Fields Brown, Knoxville Lady Force Head Coach. “We’re excited to kick off the home portion of our schedule, while the men will host a great team from Chattanooga. I’m expecting an electric atmosphere for the entire evening.”

After taking an early lead in their season opener on the road, the Lady Force had to settle for a tie with the Georgia Revolution of Conyers, Ga. “Despite the tie, I was very pleased with the effort and our level of play and look forward to seeing where we are on Saturday after having more time to train and practice together,” added Brown.

On the men’s side, the Knoxville Force (1-1-1) will look to notch their second conference win of the year on Saturday against Chattanooga FC, who currently sit atop the league standings. The Force return from a recent road trip where they picked up a victory against the Gulf Coast Texans, while forcing a tie with the New Orleans Jesters on Saturday evening.

Saturday’s games along with all other home games for both the Force and the Lady Force will be played at Regal Soccer Stadium on the campus of the University of Tennessee.

For more information, including ticket prices, roster information and full schedules, please visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

###

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

WBIR-TV and HGTV visit The Swag

Posted by Erin Freeman – May 24, 2013

The Swag, an upscale mountaintop inn in Waynesville, N.C., was recently featured in several segments by WBIR-TV, the NBC-affiliate in Knoxville, Tenn.  Additionally, a crew from HGTV scouted The Swag as a location for upcoming features and soon, the outlet will be showcasing the destination via HGTV.com.

Dan Matthews, co-owner of The Swag, talks to representatives from HGTV about the inn's close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The nation's most visited national park is located in The Swag's backyard.

Segments that aired on WBIR-TV included a “Your Stories” profile of The Swag and its owners, Dan and Deener Matthews, and their connection to Knoxville.  Other segments included a cooking segment with Ronnie Potter-Bowers, The Swag’s executive chef, and a hiking feature with Dr. Bob Collier, a naturalist who often leads seasonal hikes at The Swag.

Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews was rector of Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Parish in New York City from 1987-2004 and previously served at St. John’s Cathedral in Knoxville.  His wife, Deener, innkeeper at The Swag, got the idea to open their family home in Waynesville to friends coming to the area to visit the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville.  Once the World’s Fair ended, Deener decided that since she enjoyed entertaining people some much she would turn their home into an inn.  Thus, The Swag was born.

Since then, The Swag has gained a reputation as being of one of the world’s most desired retreats.  The Swag has received world-wide recognition from top-tier media including Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, Departures, the Andrew Harper Hideaway Report Top 20, and National Geographic Traveler.

Dan and Deener Matthews, owners of The Swag, pose with WBIR-TV personalities Abby Ham and Moira Kaye atop Gooseberry Knob. The NBC-affiliate in Knoxville, Tenn., featured The Swag during May sweeps.

Located within feet of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is known for its beautiful hiking trails and interior design, exquisite cuisine, and serene landscape and for having one of the best mountaintop views in the southeast.

Links to WBIR-TV features:

Links to various features with HGTV will be posted as they occur.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.theswag.com.

###

Media Contact:

Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR

Phone: (865) 584-0550

efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Iconic “Titanic violin” to be exclusively on display in America at Titanic Museum Attractions before going up for auction in England

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 20, 2013

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – For the first and only time in the United States, the iconic violin, depicted in Titanic-themed movies and actually used by Wallace Hartley on board Titanic, will be on display at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO,  announces Titanic Museum Attractions’ owner, John Joslyn.

According to Joslyn, this storied artifact will be unveiled to the American public on Wednesday, May 22 during a media conference at 10 a.m. at Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.  It will remain there until Saturday, July 27 before it travels to the Titanic Museum Attraction’s sister-location in Branson.  It will be on display in Branson, Thursday, Aug. 1 through Thursday, Aug. 15 prior to it traveling back to England where it will be auctioned off by Henry Aldridge and Son on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Widely regarded as the world’s leading experts in the sale of RMS Titanic memorabilia, Henry Aldridge and Son have unparalleled experience in auctioning the rarest memorabilia ever to be offered and describe the Hartley Violin as “the Holy Grail.”

“My visit to Pigeon Forge with the Hartley Violin is the culmination of nearly seven years of research,” said Alan Aldridge, Principal of Henry Aldridge and Son.  “I hope my visit to the Titanic Museum Attractions will enable their guests to understand the importance of the Wallace Hartley story.”

Throughout the years, the historic violin has had its share of controversy and some have disputed its authenticity.  However, with the assistance of some leading experts in their respective fields, an extensive provenance package now exists and according to officials with the Titanic Museum Attractions and leading Titanic experts, the violin belonged to Wallace Hartley.

Craig Sopin, leading Titanic expert and owner of the one of the world’s largest private collections of Titanic artifacts, believes in the violin’s authenticity.

“To say I was skeptical at first would be an understatement,” said Sopin.  “But, after I conducted an exhaustively detailed investigation into the history and forensics of the instrument, I became convinced beyond doubt that this violin belonged to Wallace Hartley and that it was with him on RMS Titanic.”

Joslyn explains that in addition to Sopin and Aldridge, other Titanic experts, including a forensic scientist, noted violin-dealer, collectors and historians also believe in the violin’s authenticity and their research is available for discussion.

For example, as per analysis and testing performed by Michael Jones, a 29-year veteran of forensic science and former employee of the United Kingdom’s Home Office Forensic Science Service, the violin is compatible with immersion in seawater.  The FSS was a government-owned company in the U.K. which provided forensic science services to the police forces and government agencies of England and Wales, as well as other countries.

“In my opinion, the findings in relation to the corrosion associated with the metal fixtures of the travel case in which the violin was recovered, and also the silver fish plate attached to the violin would be considered compatible with immersion in seawater,” said Jones.  “The results compared were compatible with material that had been recovered from other Titanic victims including Titanic postal worker, Oscar Woody and third-class passenger, Carl Asplund.”

Another such expert convinced of the violin’s authenticity is Stanley Lehrer, the world’s foremost and largest Titanic collector.  “By analyzing all the facts about the case and the violin, I am convinced that the violin is indeed the one Wallace Hartley played aboard Titanic and valued it enough to safeguard its survival,” explains Lehrer.

Due to this historical exhibit, for the first time the museum will host a special VIP preview at 8:30 a.m. everyday starting Thursday, May 23, limited to 25 people.  Regular admission tickets will begin daily at 9 a.m.  Reservations are required for all tickets and may be purchased online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at (800) 381-7670.

Joslyn says the Titanic Museum Attractions plan to donate a portion of all ticket sales to Strings Crossings, an intensive summer camp for violin, viola, cello and bass students in grades eight through 12 conducted at Belmont University’s comprehensive School of Music.

Additional information about the Wallace Hartley Violin exhibit at the Titanic Museum Attractions can be found online at www.titanicattraction.com.

# # #

Titanic Museum Attractions: Cedar Bay Entertainment, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Missouri, the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction. Since its opening in 2006, Titanic Branson has welcomed more than five million “passengers” aboard the museum. Titanic Pigeon Forge opened in 2010 and has already welcomed two million visitors. For additional information about the museums, visit www.titanicattraction.com or call (800) 381-7670.

Media: For high resolution digital images, museum and exhibit tours, interviews and additional information, contact Erin Freeman at (865) 584-0550 or efreeman@ackermannpr.com.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Lisa Hood Skinner, SVP at Ackermann PR, Wins First Place Golden Press Card Award

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – May 20, 2013

 

 

Lisa Hood Skinner was awarded the First Place Golden Press Card Award in Freelance Writing from the Society of Professional Journalist.

Knoxville, Tenn. - The East Tennessee Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), recently awarded Ackermann PR Senior Vice President Lisa Hood Skinner with a First Place Golden Press Card Award in Freelance Writing.

The award was for the Nov. 23, 2012 front page (Knoxville) News Sentinel account of her Ackermann PR business trip to entrepreneurial/startup zones in Tel Aviv, Israel, during the time that Hamas was launching missile attacks on both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Skinner was with a contingent of 24 of our legal clients representing 20 countries around the world when the air raid sirens and shelling began Nov.15, 2013, prompting Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense for the next eight days.

The annual Golden Press Card contest  honoring excellence in journalism is judged by out-of-area SPJ chapters. Connecticut Pro SPJ Chapter judges said Skinner’s article was a ” very good job of using a personal experience to enhance understanding of a world issue of critical importance. Story brought the everyday impact home.”

Skinner works with Ackermann PR’s largest international clients, specializing in legal, healthcare, engineering, tourism/hospitality  and banking. Prior to joining Ackermann PR, she lived and worked in various countries around the world, traveling for clients in the financial, packaged goods, dairy, healthcare and metals industries.

 

 

Media Contact:

Lisa Hood Skinner

(865) 584-0550

lskinner@ackermannpr.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

New Board Members and Officers Announced for Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 16, 2013

Townsend, Tenn. – Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont) has added six new members to its board of directors and has announced its officers.

New members include Esther Bell, CEO, Global Intellectual Property Asset Management, PLLC; Henry (Hank) Dye, recently retired vice president for public and government relations, University of Tennessee; Randy Gibson, chief operating officer & general counsel, Lawler-Wood; George Hashbarger, Jr., president, Quintium Advisors, LLC; L. W. (Bill) Varner, CEO, United Subcontractors, Inc.; and Chad Youngblood, all of Knoxville.

With the addition of these new members, Tremont’s board now includes seventeen members. Current officers of the board are Cathy Ackermann, board chair, and president & CEO of Ackermann PR; Billy Carroll, vice president of the board and CEO of SmartBank; Elizabeth Estill, treasurer.

Every year, thousands of students come to Tremont to live and learn, using Great Smoky Mountains National Park as their classroom.  They come for an educational experience that is vastly different from that available to them in the classroom.

Through exploration and investigation, they learn firsthand about the park’s rich cultural history and its remarkable biological diversity.  They leave Tremont with a greater sense of wonder, depth of knowledge, and appreciation for the natural world and the national park.

Tremont also provides a variety of programs for adults and families, including photography workshops, a naturalist certification program, and family camps.

“We are proud to have such a strong and active board to provide direction and represent us in the community,” said Ken Voorhis, Tremont’s executive director.  “They are all very busy people, but they spend a great deal of time working with us here at Tremont to move our programs forward. They truly believe in and support our mission and work hard to help us build our base of support,” he continued.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a private 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Since 1969, Tremont has provided in-depth experiences to over half a million people of all ages through residential educational programs that celebrate diversity, foster stewardship and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information, visit www.gsmit.org or call 865-448-6709.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Knoxville Force Open 3rd Season at Home on Saturday

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 10, 2013

Knoxville, Tenn. – On Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m., the Knoxville Force will kick off their third season at home against the Mississippi Storm.  A semi-professional soccer team playing in the National Premier Soccer League, the Knoxville Force feature a number of local players, including many of the region’s top collegiate players as well as national non-collegiate and international players.

WHAT: Knoxville Force vs. Mississippi Storm

WHEN: Saturday, May 11 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Regal Soccer Stadium – University of Tennessee Campus

“Nothing is more exciting than the beginning of the season and we have high expectations for a great summer of soccer in Knoxville,” said Derek Broadley, Knoxville Force Head Coach.  “Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the area and we have experienced a tremendous amount of support from the community over the past two seasons.  We’d love to have even larger crowds this season and really create one of the most fun and exciting atmospheres in our league.”

Saturday will mark the first of five scheduled home games for the Force with the remaining games scheduled for June.  Following the conclusion of the regular season, the post-season conference tournament will take place in mid-July.

For more information, including ticket prices, roster information and the full schedule, please visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

###

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Blount Partnership Celebrates Tourism Day

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 10, 2013

Maryville, Tenn. – Today, officials with Blount Partnership and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority hosted “Tourism Day,” a celebration highlighting the unique platforms that make Blount County, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, an ideal tourist destination.  The event was attended by the public, Blount Partnership members, special guests, and area media, and was held at the headquarters of the Blount Partnership as part of the 2013 National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-12).

Event speakers included Tami Vater, Blount Partnership’s Director of Tourism, and Dave Jones, East Tennessee Regional Manager for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, who both delivered the latest statistics outlining the economic benefits of tourism on both the local level in Blount County and throughout Tennessee.

“Tourism is a clear economic driver for Blount County,” said Vater.  “Each household in Blount County pays less in state and local taxes as a result of taxes generated by tourism economic activity.”

“The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is one of the leaders among state organizations in the United States tourism industry,” said Jones.  “In 2011, Tennessee’s tourism generated a $15.36 billion economic impact to the state’s economy, the largest single increase we have seen year over year.  More than 177,800 Tennesseans are now employed in the state’s tourism industry.”

The presentation also included a video message from State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker.

“National Travel and Tourism Week is a perfect time to raise awareness about the significant economic development role our industry plays on the national, state and local level,” said Whitaker.  “Tennessee is now ranked ninth among all states in total travel.”

In addition to presenting key tourism effects, Vater also unveiled the Blount Partnership’s first-ever “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” tourism app.  According to Vater, the mobile app, which can be utilized by tourists and local citizens alike, “puts the information in the palm of your hand to enjoy your trip to Blount County and the Smokies.”  The app has a full listing of Blount County’s lodging, dining, attractions and outdoor activities options as well as an events calendar and GPS-enabled map with filtered waypoints by category.  The app is available for use on iPhone, iPad and Android phones in their respective app stores.

“This mobile app will allow users to connect with our area through social media platforms enabling engagement between our local tourism authority and those using the app,” explained Vater.

For more information on tourism in Blount County, visit www.smokymountains.org.

###

Media Contact
Erin Freeman
(865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

The Case for Christ Event Investigates the Evidence for Jesus

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 7, 2013

Knoxville, Tenn. – Once an award-winning legal editor and investigative reporter with the Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel, a famed Atheist-turned-Christian and now one of the evangelical community’s “most popular apologists,” is coming to Knoxville to headline a LIVE, faith-based event called The Case for Christ – sponsored by Maryville Christian School and Feed Your Faith.

The Case for Christ will be held at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church at 701 Merchants Drive on Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m. and will feature Strobel’s compelling investigation of the evidence that Jesus Christ is really the Son of God.

“I’ve cross-examined dozens of experts in multiple fields and disciplines searching for answers to questions that curious Christians have been asking for years,” said Strobel. “How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside of the Bible? And, is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event? All I can tell you is that I’m now a believer.”

After a nearly two-year investigation of the evidence for Jesus Christ, Strobel became a Christian in 1981. He is a New York Times best-selling author of more than 20 books and has been interviewed on numerous national TV programs, including ABC, Fox, PBS, and CNN. Lee shared the Christian Book of the Year award in 2005 for a curriculum he co-authored with Garry Poole about the movie The Passion of the Christ. He also won Gold Medallions for his books The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and The Case for a Creator, all of which have been made into documentaries distributed by Lionsgate.

As a featured speaker, Strobel has a unique way of naturally and effectively speaking with others about Jesus. Strobel’s testimony retraces his journey from the newsroom to the pulpit as he learned to make Christ a way of life. His unique experiences and relative approach captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.

The Case for Christ is a one-night show only. Tickets range from $20 to $35 each and are available as reserved seats or general admission for singles, couples and groups of 10 or more. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the event begins starts at 8 p.m. According to conference organizers, tickets are still available, but if past Feed Your Faith shows are any indication, this could prove to be a sellout.

Additionally, prior to the event, attendees are invited to meet Strobel beginning at 6:30 p.m. during a meet and greet VIP dinner also at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.  This exclusive VIP dinner will benefit the Maryville Christian School Scholarship Fund.

Established on May 29, 1993, in Maryville, Tenn., Maryville Christian School (MCS) seeks to produce young men and women trained in the ways of God and who will subsequently devote themselves to lives of service to Him.  Because of growing economic challenges, more and more MCS families need tuition assistance and therefore, in 2011 MCS created an annual “Bella Sera” fundraising event in which proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.  The Strobel VIP dinner will serve as a 2013 Bella Sera event.  The 2013 financial goal for the scholarship fund is $75,000.

VIP tickets are $250 per person and include a full-course meal prepared by Chef Tony of First Fruits Catering, the opportunity to meet Strobel and receive a signed copy of one of his books and reserved premium seating for The Case for Christ event.  To purchase VIP tickets, call 865-268-9146.

For more information about Feed Your Faith, or to order your tickets for The Case for Christ, visit www.feedyourfaith.org.

###

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati

Knoxville Force and Lady Force Start Practice

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 3, 2013

Knoxville, Tenn. – Spring is in the air as the Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force semi-professional soccer teams are scheduled to open practice on May 7 and May 9 for the 2013 season. The teams, owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, are part of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), respectively, and play their home games at the University of Tennessee’s Regal Stadium. Based on attendance numbers, the Knoxville Force and Lady Force have seen an increase in popularity in the Knoxville community over the last three seasons.

“There are more than 25,000 youth and adults in the Knoxville area who play in organized soccer leagues and teams,” said Jason Goss, General Manager of Knoxville Soccer LLC. “Soccer is the largest and fastest growing field team sport in the United States, and Knoxville is a testament. We have received nothing but positive support from soccer fans and enthusiasts.”

The Knoxville Force is starting its 3rd season in the NPSL’s Southeast Conference. The formal NPSL season starts in early May and concludes with playoffs and regional and national championship matches at the end of July. The team is made up of the region’s top collegiate players as well as national non-collegiate and international players with tryouts being held in February each year.

The Force’s head coach is Derek Broadley who has achieved the highest level of coaching licensure in the United States and Europe. Broadley holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” license, is a graduate of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) “Master Coach” program, and has served as Technical Director of the Bermuda Football Association. He has worked successfully to improve player, team, and coaches’ performance in Knoxville, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, and North America.

The Knoxville Lady Force is starting its 2nd season in the WPSL’s Southeast Conference. The formal WPSL season starts in early May and concludes with playoffs and regional and national championship matches by early August. The highly competitive team includes U.S. National Team, university, amateur, international, and former professional soccer players looking to play the sport at an advanced level. Tryouts are held in January each year.

The Lady Force’s head coach is Fields Brown who was recently the assistant head coach for the Georgia Revolution of the NPSL and assistant director of coaching at Rockdale Youth Soccer Association in Conyers, Georgia.  Brown was also the women’s soccer assistant coach at Georgia State University from 2009 to 2011 and Wofford College from 2005 to 2009.

The 2013 schedules for the Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force will be released soon. For more information, to purchase tickets or shop for merchandise, visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

# # #

About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Live
  • Turn this article into a PDF!
  • Technorati