News, press releases and media coverage for Team Marketing Systems and our clients, together with industry happenings, miscellaneous stats and facts, and the occasional rant...
The Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures, one of Hollywood’s oldest and most prestigious organizations, announced a partnership to help the blind and visually impaired participate in a life changing sport. At their 50th Anniversary Gala this past Saturday in Universal City, CA, the Stuntmen’s Association formally introduced the Blind Judo Foundation as a partner organization, with a goal to support the foundation’s efforts in teaching the sport of Judo to the blind and visually impaired.
“As stunt professionals, Judo and Martial Arts fundamentals are a big part of the work we do on-set every day,” said Mark Donaldson, President of the Stuntmen’s Association. “The opportunity to work with the Blind Judo Foundation, to bring the sport of Judo to blind children and our military’s Wounded Warriors is a perfect fit with the spirit of our organization and we look forward to participating in upcoming events, clinics and activities.”
The Blind Judo Foundation provides financial support, training and coaching to facilities around the country that teach martial arts to blind and visually impaired children and adults. The foundation also runs programs for US Military “Wounded Warriors” who can benefit greatly from the physical and mental rehabilitation the sport of Judo provides.
“Over 70% of blind and visually impaired kids do not participate in any physical activity. Simply put, they are afraid of falling,” said Ron Peck, Executive Director and co-founder of the Blind Judo Foundation. “The sport of Judo teaches balance, strength and falling correctly. For a blind individual, these can be the keys to building confidence and independence, which carryover into their work, their relationships and their self-esteem. And for some of our athletes, participating in our programs can lead to representing their country at the Paralympics.”
These Paralympic dreams are very real. Blind Judo Foundation co-founder Willy Cahill has served as Head Coach of the US Paralympic Judo team for the past 3 Paralympic Games, and 75% of all US Judo medals won at the Olympics & Paralympics have been achieved under his direction.
“Having the support of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures is a tremendous boost for our athletes,” said Coach Cahill. “I’ve seen first-hand how this sport changes the lives of blind children and young adults. These are people that some in our society have cast-off as ‘defective.’ What I’ve seen are athletes, competitors, and amazingly strong men and women who have accomplished so much through their dedication to the sport of Judo.”
For more information on the Blind Judo Foundation, visit
Join Special Olympics Southern California and our athletes for one of the largest competitions of the year: Summer Games.
June 11-12 , 2011 California State University, Long Beach (map)
Watch our athletes pour their hearts out and showcase their talents as they compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. More than 1,000 athletes from across Southern California will compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics.
We'll be there to hand out medals, cheer and support these amazing athletes - please join us!
Fox Sports South broadcaster Fred Hickman, was on hand at the Braves vs. Nationals, Opening Day festivities today in Washington, DC.
Fred Hickman (L), Host of Braves Live on Fox Sports South, with former Braves OF and Braves Live co-host Ron Gant (R).
BTW, the Braves won 2-0, as some veterans came through, including starting pitcher Derek Lowe and the ageless Chipper Jones, who's back after major knee surgery. They brought new manager Fredi Gonzalez a win in his debut.
Good luck to Fred and Braves for another great season!
Many professional athletes today are faced with a continuous flood of media attention and can easily become a magnet for scrutiny. Social media channels broadcast every status update, “tweet” and image - good or bad - to millions in a matter of minutes, and any misstep becomes instant news. Having the skills and confidence to effectively communicate with the media and fans is proving to be as valuable as a good jump shot or a 100 mph fastball.
Veteran sports broadcaster Fred Hickman started Fred Hickman Communications to provide athletes, coaches and front office personnel with the skills to tackle a variety of challenging media situations, including:
• How to conduct yourself in a radio or television interview • Dealing with high-pressure situations - such as the run up to a championship game, trade talks and rumors - or off-the-field conflicts • Delivering an effective public speech • Appropriately maximizing social networking outlets (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) • Representing yourself in connection with nonprofit initiatives • How to handle success with class and humility
Fred Hickman Communications provides extensive training on the fundamentals of interviewing, speaking & public appearances, giving anyone the confidence to become an effective communicator and help shape their public persona, connect with fans, increase their marketability and enhance their value to the franchise.
With over 30 years of on-camera experience and numerous awards to his credit, Fred Hickman has worked as a lead anchor for prominent sports networks including TBS, TNT, ESPN, Fox Sports and the YES Network. Fred is a highly skilled, versatile broadcaster, having led coverage for major sports properties & events including the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA telecasts, pre-game & post-game shows.
“While the tools we use to communicate may have changed, what’s important to communicate has not,” said Fred Hickman. “Every athlete or coach should have the basic skills to handle themselves on camera, in an interview, at public events, and present themselves in the best possible light.”
Media training sessions with Fred Hickman Communications utilize mock on-camera interviews, video/audio analysis, real-world examples and resolution techniques to sharpen speaking skills, along with evaluating body language and posture, proper enunciation, eye contact, avoiding one-word answers and many other subtle but effective details to ensure success in front of the mic and camera.
In the future, when asked how they became so comfortable in front of the media, players will simply reply… “Fred Said It”
Fred Hickman Joins Atlanta Braves players and Negro League Legends on the “Braves Caravan,” bringing today's stars, Negro Leagues pioneers together at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Sports broadcasting veteran and Team Marketing Systems client, Fred Hickmanhad the unique opportunity this week to participate in the 2011 Braves Caravan, joining current Brave's players & coaches, and Negro League legends, for a visit to the Birmingham AL Civil Rights Institute and a panel discussion covering the contribution of the Negro Leagues and race in baseball.
Sports broadcasting veteran and Team Marketing Systems client,