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American Kidney Fund Receives Support from Bayer to Expand Kidney Disease Education Among U.S. Veterans

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) today announced support from Bayer for AKF’s effort to educate military veterans about the central role their kidneys play in their overall health and the importance of early detection to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease. Bayer’s collaboration supports AKF’s existing partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration to increase awareness of kidney disease among U.S. veterans and to support veterans who have been diagnosed with kidney disease. “About 500,000 U.S. veterans have kidney disease, and that number continues to trend upward by 6% each year, as it has for the past five years,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF president and CEO. “We are grateful for Bayer’s support of our work to reach out to veterans—a population that faces higher rates of kidney disease compared to the general public.” "A major risk factor for chronic kidney disease is type 2 diabetes and many veterans living with type 2 diabetes do not realize they are at risk," said Amit Sharma, M.D., FACP, FASN, FNKF, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Cardiovascular & Renal Division, Bayer. “Bayer is proud to support AKF’s work to educate America’s veterans on kidney disease risk factors, early detection and disease management, to help all veterans living with kidney disease live healthier lives.” Kidney disease is the fastest growing noncommunicable disease in the U.S., yet 90% of Americans, including veterans, with the early stages of kidney disease are unaware they have it because there are typically no symptoms until the later stages. Diabetes and hypertension cause 75% of all new cases of kidney disease. About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 Contact Details Ben Shannon Work: +1 202-559-2813 Mobile: +19193603039 AKF@jpa.com Company Website https://www.kidneyfund.org

May 27, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

British online store The Edit LDN transforms prized sneaker industry as sales soar

Stockwood Strategy

The UK’s leading online store for limited edition sneakers and high end streetwear The Edit Man London has become The Edit LDN. The name change reflects the rapidly growing female appeal for new and pre-loved sneakers and streetwear as sales grow 60% month-on-month in the last 12 months. The Edit LDN is an online consignment store that sells new and pre-loved goods from a variety of brands including Yeezy, Jordan, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Off-White, Supreme, Fear of God among others to a wide community of fashionistas, collectors and investors. Just as premium sites like Farfetch address the fashion world, The Edit LDN is the leading destination for limited edition sneakers and high end streetwear. They connect premium resellers with a highly engaged, price agnostic and eager audience. Through partnerships with styling services such as Thread.com and various concierge companies, THE EDIT LDN has expanded its community of buyers from TV and film celebrities to professional footballers and royal families around the world. Moses Rashid, founder and CEO of The Edit LDN commented: “As a brand we want to remain current and relevant to our community, our new name now fairly represents and embraces our diverse community but is true to its origins. We dropped the ‘Man’ from the name simply because the number of women buying had been steadily increasing since launch in January 2020 and passed 50% in March this year. It was the right thing to do.” The Edit LDN has established itself as a trusted source of authenticated and high quality new and pre-loved streetwear and sneakers. Their unabating focus on speed (to deliver purchased goods), customer service engagement and ensuring all goods are authenticated has been testament to the growth of the platform and community. “We set out to create a destination that opens up and levels up the opportunity for anyone wishing to own extremely limited edition goods. Essentially we make Inaccessible, accessible. Previous means to buy these goods have been riddled with issues such as sending payments to random resellers found on social media, authenticity issues when buying online and long delivery times on purchases from global marketplaces. The Edit LDN addresses all these concerns and is transforming the customer experience and industry simultaneously, added Moses ”. In 2021 (to April), The Edit LDN attracted more traffic, transactions and revenue than in their first year of trading (2020). With 60% month-on-month growth and mounting interest, the business is set to take-off. “We’re regularly selling sneakers and streetwear worth £1,500 each. Recently, we sold a Gucci TNF jacket for £9,200. It’s not only the variety of goods we offer but the speed at which we send purchases. Just last year we managed to source and sell 44 Playstation 5 games consoles to the England U21 football team within 24 hours, literally dispatching them in Ubers to their homes” said Moses. Looking ahead, Moses added: “This is a marketplace worth $6b a year globally and will grow 5x by 2030. By the end of this year, The Edit LDN will be worth £10m and given the hyper growth rate of our sales and revenues, we will 3x our valuation by the end of 2022 for sure. In meeting the needs of this rapid scaling, we will seek to raise funds this year to propel us as we launch in new markets”. The Edit LDN has its community and social conscious front of mind. They have raised funds and awareness against gun crime, mental health and sustainability issues. In 2020, the company collaborated with the artist McCrow as part of the One Less Gun campaign to create a sneaker with bullet shells from an AK-47 rifle. Working with Gary James McQueen in aid of MIND mental health charity, they raised funds with an exclusive T-shirt drop featuring the famous McQueen Vanitas skull. In owning their sustainability agenda, they turned their focus to the circular economy by selling pre-owned (or pre-loved) goods through the platform. In addition to this, they are a paperless company and only ship products using recycled packaging. “At the heart of The Edit LDN proposition is a focus on social and economic issues. These are matters that are important to us and our community, so we recognise that we’re in a super hot market right now so we want to use our platform to make a long lasting impact where possible” concluded Moses. About The Edit LDN Founded in 2020, The Edit LDN has quickly become the UK’s leading online consignment store for limited edition sneakers and high end streetwear, both new and pre-loved items. Their innovative platform connects premium resellers to a global audience offering a deluxe experience from discovery, packaging and delivery. Brands include Jordan, Yeezy, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Off-White, Supreme, Fear of God among others. The platform is fast becoming synonymous with speed of service, authenticity, diverse selection of secure payment methods, and first class customer service. The Edit LDN is the leading destination for resellers and their premium sneakers and streetwear. Through partnerships with styling services such as Thread.com and various concierge companies, The Edit LDN has a community of buyers celebrities to professional footballers and royal families around the world. Contact Details The Edit LDN Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.theeditldn.com/

May 27, 2021 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Is it Possible to Kill Corona Virus from Luggage Surfaces in Just 5 Seconds? University Study Says "Yes"

WarpUV

Following extensive testing, the Microbial Pathogenesis Laboratory at Tel Aviv University has concluded the WarpUV ® AirFort® luggage disinfection system can eradicate coronaviruses in just five seconds. For airports, baggage handlers and air passengers, the study findings show air travel can be safer again because luggage surface areas that typically pass through many hands on their way to, from and at the airport, and susceptible to airborne transmissible droplets, can be safely and quickly sanitized. Prof. Anat Herskovits, a world-renowned microbiologist, Vice Chair of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, and President of the Israel Society of Microbiology, tested the ability of the WarpUV AirFort® technology to kill high concentrations of coronaviruses. “Our results concluded that after five seconds of UV irradiation, more than 99 percent of the viruses were eradicated,” Prof. Herskovits said. “I feel confident that WarpUV has developed an effective solution for luggage disinfection.” Resources: Hear audio quote from Prof. Herskovits (.wav,.mp3) Post-COVID-19 Air Travel/Bio-Security survey, May 2021 Breakthrough Rapid-Action Coronavirus and Bacteria Disinfection Technology for Passenger Luggage at Airports Stops Local Outbreaks from Becoming Global Pandemics AirFort® is designed to rapidly kill viruses, bacteria, and spores from surface contamination of carry-on and checked bags, personal items and oversized bags and parcels, protecting baggage handlers, aviation staff, and the general public. It utilizes a proprietary array of ultraviolet lights designed to achieve all-angle “360° x 360°” disinfection of all baggage surfaces. While floor UV cleaners and other disinfection agents such as sprays are being implemented globally, AirFort focuses on luggage – one of the means that the International Air Transport Association (IATA), European Union Aviation Air Safety Agency (EASA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified as a possible critical path for viruses and bacteria to infect and spread. By eradicating these harmful elements before and after flights, WarpUV has an important role in stopping the spread and future spread of pandemics which are imminent threats as described by the EU, WHO, and the World Economic Forum. About WarpUV Warp Technologies and its AirFort® devices are the frontline of prevention of the spread of pandemic by luggage and baggage in airports worldwide and serve as a “disinfection firewall” for continents, countries, and regions. The company was formed in 2020 by veteran Israeli entrepreneurs Amir Fischer, Eitan Haimovich, and Gil Luxenbourg. For more information, visit www.warpUV.com. Contact Details Rainier Communications Alan Ryan +1 508-577-6635 alanryan@rainierco.com Rainier Communications Joanne Stanway +19782731473 jstanway@rainierco.com Company Website https://www.warpuv.com/

May 26, 2021 02:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Dogs Don’t Know, Heat Can Hurt: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Exercise-Induced, Heat Related Illness

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Q9_KZTWQXCU It’s summer, and everyone wants to be outside with their dogs. But it’s hot, and when our best friends are chasing frisbees, balls, and running they don’t always know they’re overheating. If their core body temperatures rise faster than they can cool off, dogs may suffer from Heat Related Illness (HRI). National Heat Awareness Day is May 28, 2021, and EUKANUBA™ wants you to learn how to keep your dog safe while exercising this summer. EUKANUBA™, a premium dog food brand specializing in high-performance nutrition for sporting and working dogs, is drawing attention to canine exercise-induced heat related illness (HRI) by conducting a nationwide media tour in conjunction with D S Simon Media and Your Update TV featuring Dr. Joe Spoo, Veterinarian, Eukanuba™. During the nationwide media tour and Public Service Announcement (PSA) Dr. Spoo discussed: What is a Heat Related Illness The Three Stages: Heat Stress, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. How to recognize the HRI warning signs in your dog. How dogs naturally cool down. What type of dogs are at risk. Ways to keep them cool while exercising and having fun. The importance of hydration For more information please visit: EUKANUBA.com About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 26, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Dr Hen launches STI Education Series, Exclusively on Social Media

Dr Hen

Dr Hen, the popular social media Hen doctor, has launched a content series highlighting digestible STI education and prevention, as the U.S. predicts a record surge in STI rates this summer. The content series comes hot off the heels of vaccine roll-outs - with 50% of Americans now being vaccinated, singles are gearing up for a hot summer and Dr Hen is aiming to destigmatize STI awareness with its educational series. The ‘ Dr Hen Says’ STI series launches May 25, with content posted throughout the summer until July 15. The series will present multiple illustrated panels, with the goal of modernizing and simplifying health education, ultimately, putting people’s health information in their own hands. Additionally, the series will cover leading diseases and concerns, including; herpes, gonorrhea, HPV facts, curable and incurable STIs, risk factors, and simple treatment measures. “I created a social platform as I saw the need for a safe space dedicated to sharing and building a community where individuals can help each other stay informed on leading health topics - something we need now more than ever,” said Dr Hen, Chief Physician of the Medical Center in Hen World. “We are beginning to experience a post-pandemic world, with STIs being one of many health concerns to surface - the platform aims to address these topics in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.” As Covid restrictions across the nation continue to ease, the pent up (sexual) frustration is real. The CDC notes that those aged between 15-24 years of age are amongst the most popular age group to experience leading STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Coupled with this being the same age group to retrieve the majority of their information from social media, we have a generation that is in need of quick, easy, and accurate information directly from their phone - and Dr Hen is the answer. With 72% of the United States population active across social media, online health education has seen a steady increase due to its ability to remove physical barriers that traditionally impede access to healthcare support and resources. As selected health topics, including STIs, mental health, and AIDS, continue to be stigmatized, the need for an inclusive and approachable online platform with accurate information has never been more important. With a rapidly growing Instagram page of 148K followers, the testimonials speak for themselves as Dr Hen Says has become a popular and go-to health platform for many in the U.S. and across the globe. The platform destigmatizes the world of health, ultimately breaking through negative and inaccurate health concerns, offering individuals around the world the opportunity to overcome any barriers to accessing quality health information through modern devices. ABOUT DR HEN SAYS: Dr Hen is a Chief Resident, writer and illustrator in the animated planet called Hen World. This Instagram influencer is renowned for encouraging awareness, dialogue, and building communities around difficult health topics. With so much misinformation and toxicity on social media, Dr Hen is there to break through the negativity with a voice of compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, decency and diversity. Dr Hen believes in empowering readers to actively seek and share knowledge in order to gain greater control over decisions relating to their own health. Aiming to establish a destigmatized world of health, Dr Hen is making health more approachable by raising awareness and fighting misinformation. Instagram: @drhensays YouTube: Dr Hen Says Twitter: @drhensays Facebook: @drhensays *Statistics included from ‘CDC Newsroom’, Reported STDs Reach All-time High for 6th Consecutive Year; ‘Statista’, Reach of leading social networking sites used by teenage and young adult online users in the United States as of 3rd quarter 2020; ‘Statista’, Active social network penetration in selected countries as of January 2021; The New York Times’ interactive COVID-19 vaccine tracker: Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations Around the World by Josh Holder. Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Lynsey Gray +1 250-505-6434 lgray@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://hen.world/

May 26, 2021 11:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Redbarn Pet Products Awarded SQF Certification

Redbarn Pet Products, LLC

Redbarn Pet Products, a leading manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, and chews, has been awarded SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing certification by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative at their facilities in both Kansas and Paraguay. By passing the rigorous SQF Program they continue to prove their commitment to manufacturing only the most safe, nutritious, and highest quality pet products, just as they have over the last 25 years. “With this certification, Redbarn joins an elite group of manufacturers that are able to achieve and uphold the standards of SQF,” Redbarn President Jeff Sutherland said. “To accomplish SQF certification took the time and dedication of our Redbarn employees. They know how important it is at Redbarn to always work to exceed the expectations. As we embrace the SQF process, it means consistently improving in everything we do.” The SQF Initiative has been addressing food safety and quality requirements since 1994. The Program is recognized internationally by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to certify high standards of food safety and quality for food manufacturer and production companies across all sectors. SQF Certification is not a requirement in the pet product industry. This certification means a company is highly dedicated to the safety and quality of their products. Redbarn has a long history of diligent quality assurance practices. Even before SQF certification, their Quality Assurance team was exceeding industry standards by doing more than 3,500 tests a month on their products. Physical, chemical, and microbiological tests are performed daily while every batch of Redbarn is inspected and tested for safety and quality. About Redbarn Pet Products, LLC: Redbarn Pet Products is a family-owned business created in 1996 by long-time friends Jeff Baikie and Howie Bloxam. They recognized the need for healthy, wholesome pet food and treats that are developed, produced and sold with integrity, honesty and the best quality ingredients. Today, the Redbarn family includes more than 500 employees across North America that share the same focus. Redbarn offers more than 200 products for dogs and cats. The company strives to provide products and information to help pet parents make educated, nutritious decisions for their pets. To learn more about Redbarn Pet Products, visit their website at www.redbarn.com. Contact Details Redbarn Pet Products, LLC Lesley Cramer +1 562-612-7125 lcramer@redbarn.com

May 26, 2021 09:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sports Betting Social Platform Betsperts Acquires Fantasy Life App

Betsperts

Today, Betsperts, the leading crowdsourced sports betting social media platform, announced the acquisition of Fantasy Life App, a platform dedicated to providing the fastest breaking news, updates and advice to give bettors and fantasy players a competitive edge, in an all stock transaction. The new entity will be renamed Betsperts Media and Technology Group, Inc. and form the largest social media platform dedicated to sports betting and fantasy sports worldwide. The acquisition will double the headcount of Betsperts. Fantasy Life App co-founder and ESPN fantasy sports expert, Matthew Berry will stay on with Betsperts as a board member and a significant minority shareholder of the company. Founded in 2018, by co-founders Reid Rooney and Austin Harper, Betsperts was created to allow users to share information, content and resources to create a more informed and stronger betting community. Following the closing of the acquisition, Betsperts is actively raising a multi-million Series A funding round. The round will be used to fund growth strategies including talent, adding more content and user acquisition while also making significant advancements in technology. The company is currently projecting revenue of more than 20x its 2020 full year results. “The future of sports betting is stronger social connectivity between bettors and we are leading the way in building the destinations for communities,” said Reid Rooney, CEO of Betsperts. “The acquisition of Fantasy Life App is a major stepping stone in providing our loyal users with advanced capabilities where they’ll be able to not just interact within the community but utilize Betsperts to grow, fortify and effectively monetize their sports betting following much like how influencers leverage other social media platforms.” With more than 10,000,000+ monthly visits across their properties during the 2020 football season, Betsperts Media & Technology Group will utilize content and technology from the two apps to enhance capabilities and drive deeper user engagement. Sports bettors and fantasy players will receive the fastest news alerts, information and social capabilities on the market. “Community and the social fabric of gaming has been a huge part of my life and career. I write about it extensively and it's what led to the creation of the Fantasy Life App for fantasy and DFS players. When I saw what Reid and Austin had built with the Betsperts community I was really impressed. They've done for sports betting what we have done for fantasy - used advanced technology to create a robust and highly engaged community,” said Matthew Berry. “The companies are a perfect complement to each other and as gaming in all forms keeps growing in America, I know that bettors and fantasy players alike will continue to look to Betsperts and the Fantasy Life Apps for more ways to interact, educate and entertain themselves.” Berry will be joining a Betsperts board that also includes David VanEgmond, ex-Barstool Sports and FanDuel executive and current founder & CEO of Bettor Capital. Investors in the new Betsperts entity include Parlay Capital Holdings, Velo Partners, MLB players Evan Longoria, Adam Wainwright and David Price, NBA All Star Richard Jefferson, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, Grammy winner Darius Rucker, entrepreneur and Atlanta Hawks owner Jesse Itzler and Eric Norlin of SK Ventures. For more information on Betsperts, please visit Betsperts.com. ABOUT BETSPERTS Founded in 2018 by co-founders and entrepreneurs Reid Rooney and Austin Harper, Betsperts is the leading crowdsourced sports betting social media platform created to allow users to share information, content and resources to create a more informed and stronger betting community. ABOUT FANTASY LIFE APP Fantasy Life App is a mobile sports community created to level the playing field for the fantasy sports player and sports bettor. Fantasy Life enables members to post, poll other players, get the fastest alerts, and chat about sports—providing an advantage for those depending on real-time information for sports betting and fantasy leagues. Contact Details Betsperts Mike Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.betsperts.com/content/0

May 26, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Summer 2021: Staying Safe in the Sun

YourUpdateTV

With summer just around the corner, everyone is excited to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. While this can be the best time of year for many, it’s also the time of year when people are most prone to going out without properly preparing for the sun. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Gretchen Connelie, teamed with Tommy Bahama to discuss some great tips to help you enjoy the summer while staying safe in the sun. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/VYXV95HSapg May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a good opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of daily sun protection. Tommy Bahama is a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Corporate Council and as a member, supports the Skin Cancer Foundation’s work to empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection, early detection and the treatment of skin cancer. Tommy Bahama is helping people enjoy the great outdoors while staying safe in the sun. Select fabrics used in Tommy Bahama apparel, swimwear and beach gear with 30-50 UPF protection have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for effective sun protection. When getting ready to go out in the sun, clothing is your first line of defense, so it’s important to wear clothing that offers UPF protection. Tommy Bahama has 30-50 UPF protection in swimwear and sportswear. Swimwear with 50 UPF rating and styles are designed to offer extra protection like their long sleeve swimsuit. Sportswear offers 30 UPF as an added benefit to the great styling and performance features. Tommy Bahama has also created beach gear with built in sun protection. The famous Tommy Bahama beach chair that you see everywhere from the backyard to the beach now has a great accessory...a cabana top that clips on to the chair to give your own personal sun protection. It adjusts in multiple positions and is made of a UPF 50 fabric. Also check out the 7“beach umbrella with corkscrew bottom, made of UPF 50 fabric, and Maui Jim sunglasses which have double polarized lenses for ultimate protection. When entertaining outdoors, remember to stay hydrated and plan foods that travel well and are easy to eat outdoors. Individual portions continue to promote COVID safety and keeping foods bite-sized encourages snacking throughout the day. Also, instead of using gel packs, freeze drinks in pouches or bottles to keep items cold. As they melt, you can consume them throughout the day. So, in order to enjoy being outside this summer, plan ahead with your clothing, gear and food/drinks. For more information, visit TommyBahama.com About Gretchen Connelie: Gretchen Connelie is a dynamic lifestyle & trend expert specializing in-home entertaining, fashion, and travel. She has appeared on local and national TV shows with trends, tips, & tricks that keeps hosts & viewers active and engaged. Gretchen’s charisma and ability to share high concept ideas with an approachable sensibility inspires those around her to say, “I can’t wait to try that”. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 26, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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On June 19: Texas’ Largest Super Smash Bros. Esports College Invitational Tournament

Port San Antonio

Daylong Super Smash Bros. competition kicks off at 11:00 a.m. CST and will be free to watch online as part of San Antonio Fiesta activities. Students from 10 college esports clubs across the Lone Star State will compete for scholarship prizes. Port San Antonio is building the nation’s largest dedicated esports arena to host similar events beginning in 2022. EDITOR: CONNECT WITH US TO COORDINATE INTERVIEWS WITH: Tournament players and coaches Professionals in robotic, cyber and defense industries that rely on esports technology to recruit, develop talent. Partners launching country’s largest purpose-built esports arena in 2022 On June 19, starting at 11:00 a.m. CST, audiences across the nation will be able to tune in and watch the largest Super Smash Bros. esports invitational tournament to date among Texas colleges. Fifty students representing 10 university clubs across the Lone Star State will face off in a daylong tournament of Super Smash Bros. – one of the world’s most popular multi-player video games. The event will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including at www.esportsfiesta.com and related social media and streaming channels, such as Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. The broadcast is free of charge and no registration or passcode is required. The daylong tournament will feature play-by-play commentary from seasoned esports casters, post-game analysis and guest appearances by Smash Bros. enthusiasts. As the action unfolds, special guests will also include experts in advanced technologies that are driven by video gaming platforms, including aerospace, robotics and cybersecurity. Port San Antonio, the Esports in Education Foundation (EIEF) and the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) are organizing the event and have enlisted the participation of 10 clubs in the San Antonio region and beyond organized by students from the following universities: University of Texas at San Antonio (Roadrunner Gaming) Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA Esports) Trinity University (Trinity University Gaming) University of Texas at Austin (Longhorn Smash) Texas A&M University (Texas A&M Esports) University of Houston (UH Smash Club) Schreiner University (Schreiner Esports) Rice University (Rice Esports) University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (Club Esports UTRGV) Lamar University (Cardinals Esports) The Port is providing a $5,000 prize pool that will be shared among players from the winning teams. The monies will be distributed by SAMSAT to cover those students’ tuition expenses. “Our team is really looking forward to representing not only our school, but also introducing the sport to people who might be watching for the very first time. That’s a big deal,” said UTSA student Cindy Nguyen, who is also vice president and game coach of the Roadrunner Gaming club. “It’s really exciting to be in the front lines of a phenomenon that is growing so quickly. And we’re really excited that, along with other teams across Texas, we’re being given a chance to help inspire the next generation of talent.” “It’s great to see the tremendous support that our sport is being given,” said Isaiah McCants, who will be one of the casters providing play-by-play commentary and analysis. “It’s huge to be a part of the biggest tournament to date between students from ten Texas schools. And it really makes me proud that my hometown of San Antonio is really coming together to be a community for some serious esports talent development and competition.” “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to bring together families from across Texas and beyond as they tune in to see some top performers and up-and-comers in the world of esports,” said Will Garrett, Vice President of Cybersecurity Development for Port San Antonio. “It’s going to be great fun to watch for those who are already fans. And it is also going to be an opportunity to introduce new audiences to an exciting competitive sport that is growing at a phenomenal rate. Just like other traditional sports, it’s an avenue for young people to develop teamwork, strategy and other skills that have direct application to succeed in their future careers.” “This is an exciting time to be part of esports. It’s great fun, and it also allows young people a new way to connect with one another in competition and a shared love for the game—whether it’s with teammates and other friends from school or with players across the country and around the world,” said Esports in Education Founder Sam Elizondo. “Our organization is focused on bridging that love of the game with practical applications in advanced industries, where students can directly use the skills acquired in gaming as part of their careers or as entrepreneurs.” “The upcoming tournament will be a great opportunity for our museum and our partners to bring together the community and introduce them to our work as a place that is fun, exciting and committed to connecting people from all walks of life with a world of opportunities,” said SAMSAT President and CEO Doug King. “Esports ties in directly with so many of the activities and learning experiences we provide—from cybersecurity to the development of computer programming. We look forward to a great turnout in June and, in the months and years that follow, to have a prominent place in the esports community.” As it grows its 1,900-acre technology innovation campus, Port San Antonio’s commitment to the esports community is underscored by a $60-million facility that will launch in 2022 in partnership with SAMSAT. The Tech Port Center + Arena will span 130,000 square feet to include a 2,500-seat venue that will be the nation’s largest purpose-built facility for esports tournaments. Integrated state-of-the-art technology will allow those games to be broadcast worldwide. The arena can also be reconfigured to host other entertainment activities, including concerts and technology competitions, such as in cybersecurity and robotics. In addition to the gaming arena, the Tech Port Center + Arena will provide a new expanded home to SAMSAT, including spaces for new exhibits and activities focused around cybersecurity, coding and game design. An adjacent food hall with an array of restaurant offerings and a 24-hour LAN gaming area will make the Tech Port Center and Arena a premiere destination for esports enthusiasts from across the nation and around the world. Contact Details Paco Felici +1 210-260-3218 paco.felici@portsanantonio.us Stephanie Garcia +12102388657 stephanie.garcia@portsanantonio.us

May 26, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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