Alonzo Mourning and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Host All-Star Weekend Blowout With 5th Annual 'Zo & Magic 8-Ball Challenge'

DALLAS, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Commanding an intense tournament that's bigger every year, NBA Legends Alonzo Mourning and Earvin "Magic" Johnson bring an events blowout to Dallas for NBA All-Star Weekend. Starting Thursday, February 11th with "Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge", the blowout includes a Youth Sports Conference and a Louis Vuitton Private Shopping Event hosted by Tracy and Alonzo Mourning through Saturday, February 13th. Mourning and Johnson welcome 2010 partnering with Dallas-based media mogul Tom Joyner, Hosting Sponsor Ford, Sponsoring Partners Ciroc and ESPN, Honorary Chair Mark Cuban, and Master of Ceremonies Dwyane Wade for "Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge".  

Says Mourning, "I am excited to host this event alongside Magic once more. It is important that we create opportunities like this one, on a national platform, to bring awareness to the community initiatives we support that impact the lives of many children and their families. This is a fun event where we get the chance to be competitive all for a good cause. Also, having won the tournament for the last two years, I look forward to the challenge."

Mourning and Johnson take over Centennial Hall Thursday, February 11th for "Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge", with Billiards Congress of America referees overseeing competition. Some stars expected include Mario Lopez, Chris Tucker, Common, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Martellus Bennett, and Ken Hamlin. Past years have hosted celebrities including Tony Parker & Eva Longoria Parker, Queen Latifah, Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Michael Jordan, Gabrielle Union, Shaquille O'Neal, Jeanette "The Black Widow" Lee, LeBron James and more.

Johnson adds, "I couldn't have asked for a better partner in Alonzo. I'm looking forward to going up against him once again in Dallas. The 8-Ball Challenge sets the tone for All-Star Weekend. It's entertainment at its best. We get to have fun and give back all at the same time."

Friday, February 12th the community spirit continues with the Alonzo Mourning Charities Youth Sports Conference, with 100 male and female athletes from Dallas high schools. Led by Mourning and ESPN Rise at Emmett J. Conrad High School, students and panelists will discuss education, the sports industry, social responsibility, and more. Some panelists include Martellus Bennett, Kenyon Martin, and Kenny Lofton.

Saturday, February 13th the events blowout concludes with the Louis Vuitton Private Shopping Event hosted by Tracy and Alonzo Mourning at NorthPark Center. Invitees can snap up Vuitton's 2010 Cruise Collection, plus a portion will benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities.  

Net proceeds will benefit programs supported by Alonzo Mourning Charities, The Magic Johnson Foundation, and the Tom Joyner Foundation, aiding youth, education and community programs. For more information, log onto www.8Ballchallenge.com.

SOURCE Alonzo Mourning Charities