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SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FEATURES STATE OF HAWAII IN SERIES OF
50 STATE-SPECIFIC WEEKLY SECTIONS

Stoked! Island Native and Pro Surfing World Champion Andy Irons Explains Why He Was Lucky to Grow Up on a Surfboard

New York, NY, October 22, 2003 — This week’s Sports Illustrated highlights the sports scene in the state of Hawaii, marking the 15^th of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI’s yearlong 50^th anniversary celebration.

Identifying the Ironman Triathlon as an event unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by Hawaii native and pro surfing’s reigning world champion Andy Irons, and a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped Hawaii’s sports landscape.

The Hawaii edition will hit newsstands beginning Wednesday, October 22, 2003 . Newsstand copies in Hawaii will feature a cover-flap identifying the special Hawaii section.

Highlights from the special section include:

The Ironman Triathlon is arguably the world’s primary test of athletic endurance with elements so draining that any participant’s ordeal may become a weeping, bleeding affirmation of the power of human will, explains SI writer Kenny Moore in "Grit and Bear It."

In "A Perfect (Hang) 10," Hawaii native and pro surfing world champion, Andy Irons, describes what it was like growing up surfing the beaches of Hawaii. The reigning world champion says surfing is more than just a sport in the Aloha state — it’s a way of life.

The Poll : Hawaiians weighed in on their state’s sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

Favorite major league baseball team San Francisco Giants (12%)

Favorite NFL team San Francisco 49ers (15%)

Favorite college team U of Hawaii football (32%)

Favorite sport to play Swimming (24%)

Enemy of the State : LaVell Edwards, former Brigham Young football coach, who had a 17-4 career record against Hawaii received (16%) of this vote, beating out Pat Hill, the football coach at WAC rival Fresno State (7%) and Jerry Tarkanian (5%) for Hawaii’s biggest sports villain title. Hawaii’s most hated opponent? Brigham Young University (70%).

Greatest Moment — Editor’s pick : Honolulu’s Chaminade University’s historic win over number one ranked Virginia on December 23, 1982. The Silverswords held 7’4" Ralph Sampson to 12 points in the biggest college hoops upset ever, beating the Cavaliers 77-72.

SI’s 50^th Anniversary program, America’s Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports , is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which began last month and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated’s 50^th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI’s actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Starter and Best Buy are program sponsors.

Contacts: Allison Keane, SI (212) 522-5542 Stephan Pechdimaldji, SI (212) 522-7644


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