Released on: July 21, 2008, 7:01 pm

Press Release Author: Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: NASCAR driver David Ragan will serve as Master of Ceremonies and play in the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County\'s seventh annual Our Special Heroes Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for September 29th at Texas Star Golf Course in Euless, Texas.

Press Release Body: NASCAR driver David Ragan will serve as Master of Ceremonies and play in the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County\'s seventh annual Our Special Heroes Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for September 29th at Texas Star Golf Course in Euless.

Ragan races for Roush Fenway Racing, driving the No.6 AAA Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the Discount Tire Ford in the Nationwide Series. His older brother, Adam, who has Down syndrome and is a member of his racing team, is accompanying David to the tournament.

\"Adam overcomes whatever obstacles are thrown at him in his life, so I think it makes us do a little better job at what we\'re doing,\" Ragan says.

David will sign autographs for the public at scheduled times throughout the tournament.

The golf tournament is the Down Syndrome Partnership\'s primary fundraising event. Proceeds help the not-for-profit organization provide resources, services and education for people with Down syndrome, and the families and professionals who care for and teach them.

The four-person scramble features a choice of morning and afternoon tee-times, team prizes, door prizes, raffle items and on-course games. Information about playing in or sponsoring the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County\'s seventh annual Our Special Heroes Golf Classic and David\'s autograph session is available on the organization\'s website, www.DSPTC.org or by calling 817-421-1812.
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About the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County
The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers by providing resources, services and education. Its programs help individuals develop skills, networks and confidence needed to lead healthier, more independent, satisfying and productive lives. DSPTC has more than 250 member families, representing more than 1000 individuals, primarily throughout North and Northwest Texas. Learn more about DSPTC on the Web at http://www.dsptc.org.

About Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder affecting one in 733 live births. Children born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, meaning they have 47 instead of the typical 46 chromosomes. It is the world\'s leading cause of cognitive and developmental delay. On average, about 50 children are born with Down syndrome each year in Tarrant County.

Down syndrome causes a wide variety of physical challenges, behavior and mental abilities. It affects families from every race, nationality and socio-economic status. Each individual has his or her own unique personality, capabilities and talents.

Recent advances in Down syndrome research prove that loving homes, early intervention, education, social interaction, appropriate medical care and positive public attitudes improve each person\'s chances of living an independent, productive and satisfying life.

About Roush Fenway Racing
Roush Fenway Racing operates 13 full-time motorsports teams, five in NASCAR Sprint Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, Bobby East and John Wes Townley; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

About David Ragan
David Ragan began racing in 1997, at 11 years old, under the guidance of his father, former Winston Cup driver, Ken Ragan, When he turned 18, David ran select Craftsman Truck and Busch Series events. He was selected as the driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion in 2007 and was named the Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series. Ragan currently pilots the No. 6 AAA Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2008 as well as the No. 6 Discount Tire Ford in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Rousch Fenway Racing. For more information, visit www.DavidRagan.com.


Web Site: http://www.dsptc.org

Contact Details: Marla Westbrook
marla@dsptc.org
817-426-1195
www.dsptc.org