Released on: September 25, 2008, 11:45 pm

Press Release Author: Steve Cowan

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: The 15th annual Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic will be held
Saturday morning, September 27 2008, at the foot of Ocean Beach pier at 7:00am. The
contest offers a variety of heats for all ages, BBQ lunch, live music and an
opportunity drawing with prizes. South Coast Surf Shops will be celebrating its 15th
year supporting the fundraising contest, with all proceeds going directly to spinal
cord research.

Press Release Body: San Diego, CA - September 25th, 2008 - In September 1994, Tony
Mezzadri had a tragic accident while surfing at the Ocean Beach pier. It was a
typical beautiful San Diego morning and Tony was a happy, carefree young man of 24
years enjoying the exhilarating sport he had loved since childhood. In an instant,
Tony’s life was changed forever. On that memorable morning, he broke his neck,
resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. In that moment, Tony's life changed
dramatically. From then forward, it would be a life of depending on others for
almost every physical need, a life in a wheelchair.

But Tony’s life was anything but tragic.

Upon hearing of Tony’s injury, South Coast Surf Shops and the Sunset Cliffs Surfing
Association rallied in support of Tony and organized a surf contest in his honor.
South Coast owner Rob Ard stepped up as a major contributor for the first Mezzadri
Classic, and has never missed a contest since.

“It was a beautiful expression of the brotherhood of surfing and an inspiring
emotional boost. Knowing that so many people cared so much really lifted my spirits
during a very difficult and long recovery,” Tony recalls when thinking about the
first event. Tony went on to get a degree from the University of San Diego, started
a career in real estate, and best of all, he says, married the most wonderful girl
in the world.

Over the years, the Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic evolved into a benefit for spinal
cord injury research. This two-day event has become one of the most popular events
in Ocean Beach. Known also for its kick-off spaghetti dinner, featuring a silent
auction, a raffle, a live band and tons of fun, it’s an enjoyable event for the
entire family.

All proceeds benefit the UCSD Center for Neural Repair's Spinal Cord Regeneration
Program under the direction of Dr. Mark Tuszynski. The Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic
has raised over $175,000 for the UCSD Center for Neural Repair’s spinal cord
regeneration program.

Entry fee for the contest is $50. A new surfing category of Stand-up Paddleboarding
(SUP) has been added to this year’s contest. Contestants are encouraged to enter and
can go to www.tonycontest.org for an entry form.

The traditional Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction fundraiser will be held on
September 26, 2008 the night before the surf contest at the Ocean Beach Masonic Hall
from 5pm – 9pm. This year features a beer garden, live music, silent auction,
opportunity drawing and multiple surfboard drawings. Tickets for the event are
$8.00.


For further information contact Lee Edging at 619-980-4738 or www.tonycontest.org,
www.southcoast.com. Sponsorship opportunities still available.

Web Site: http://www.SouthCoast.com

Contact Details: South Coast Surf Shops
5023 Newport Avenue CA 92107
United States
619.223.7017