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Media Contact: Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us [SA]

TPWD Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

TPWD News Release — March 22, 2004

TPWD Sponsors Outdoor Extravaganza for Physically Challenged

DALLAS — Turning P.O.I.N.T., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the physically challenged, is hosting the ’2004 Extravaganza’ May 16 at Bachman Lake in Dallas. P.O.I.N.T. stands for Paraplegics on Independent Nature Trips, and the 13th annual Extravaganza promises a weekend of outdoor fun in the second-largest event of its kind in the United States for the physically challenged.

Among the nearly 20 outdoors activities for the events are catfish and bass fishing tanks. TPWD is a primary sponsor of the extravaganza will be providing a tank with catfish for people to catch. TPWD also usually provides some display fish, including bass.

Other activities at the event, which lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., include: archery, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, sailing, scuba, air rifles, rock climbing, remote control cars, fly fishing and self-defense demos, sky diving, hand-cycling, camping, computer technology and crafts.

Physically challenged participants will receive a ticket for each activity for a chance to win prizes, including a new PT Cruiser. Those going to the extravaganza also get a chance to meet Paralympic Gold Medalists Dave Kiley, Randy Snow, Candace Cables and others.

Other Turning P.O.I.N.T. events during the weekend include a 25th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser Celebration May 14 featuring Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, with special guest Jimmie Vaughan at the Sterling Hotel. There will also be a tournament series May 15 featuring Kid’s 3-on-3 and Men’s 3-on-3 basketball, bowling, billiards, trap shooting, and tennis. Pre-registration is required for the tournament.

Tickets to the Extravaganza on May 16 are $15 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. For more information or to register, visit the Web site at (http://www.turningpointtexas.org/), e-mail Shorty Powers at point@turningpointtexas.org, or call Turning P.O.I.N.T. at (972) 524-4231.

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