San Diego *- Skateboarding luminary Tony Hawk * and BMX legend Mat Hoffman are scheduled to be available (only for press and registered attendees) at the first ever Launch! National Skatepark Expo *, on Jan. 28 and 29, 2003 *. The two action sports icons will speak to an audience of park and recreation officials only at the San Diego Convention Center on Tuesday at 10 a.m., preceded by a news conference in which Hawk and Hoffman will answer questions about the skatepark industry.

Tony Hawk is considered by many to be a driving force behind skateboarding's skyrocketing popularity and according to some reports is becoming a more recognizable celebrity than even Mickey Mouse. A fierce competitor and skateboard activist, Hawk has gained the admiration of millions of fans with his inimitable personality, high-flying stunts and trademark tricks. Tony and brother, Steve Hawk started the charitable Tony Hawk Foundation * in order to kick start construction of public skateparks *.

According to Hawk, skateparks had a great impact on his life, and because of this good fortune he wants to be sure that as many kids as possible have the opportunity to experience them: "I want to give something back to the skateboard community; it's been very good to me. And I've also skated some [ poor ] parks lately, and this is an opportunity to make sure they get built right." <P> Mat Hoffman's is a name well-known in the freestyle * bicycle freestyle scene; and like Hawk's, his reputation stretches far beyond the bicycle stunt world into the mainstream. According to his website, Matt is "without question, the greatest vert-ramp rider in the history of the sport -- a fact that is uncontested among his peers." <P> <b>CORRECTION: Note that Matt and Tony will only speak to registered attendees of the convention.</b> <P> For more information about the SkatePark Expo, visit the <a href="/pm/mp/481142/">Skatepark Expo Website</a>

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