Independence Bowl and Willis Knighton Health System
Form Multi-Year Sports Medicine Partnership

June 21, 2006

Shreveport, La. - The Independence Bowl Foundation and Willis-Knighton Health System have formed a partnership, making Willis-Knighton the “official sports medicine provider of the Independence Bowl.” The three-year partnership paves the way for Willis-Knighton to provide sports medicine physicians to each team participating throughout bowl week and to offer additional medical and dental support as needed. Both teams will also be given access to Willis-Knighton’s fitness and wellness centers during bowl week.

The partnership also includes scholarships to local high school seniors. Starting this year, the Independence Bowl and Willis-Knighton Health System will award two $2,500 scholarships, one to a Caddo Parish public high school senior and another to a Bossier Parish public high school senior. Applicants must exemplify not only outstanding academic achievement but a dedication to community service.

“The Independence Bowl has become an important part of our community and a way to showcase the good things that exist in north Louisiana,” said James K. Elrod, president and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System. “Through this partnership, we have an opportunity not only to support this important economic event for our community but to reward two deserving young people who exemplify the values of both organizations through community service.”

“Everyone within the Willis-Knighton Health System has shown aggressive leadership and true dedication in the area of sports medicine, and we feel very fortunate to partner with them,” stated Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters. “We are thrilled to be able to offer our participating teams the best medical support available, as they travel to our cities for the excitement that is “Bowl Week.”

The scholarship recipients will be selected by a six-person committee made up of three members each from Willis-Knighton Health System and the Independence Bowl Foundation.

The scholarship recipients will be honored at the annual Minuteman Luncheon, which is held each year in conjunction with the Independence Bowl. This year’s Minuteman Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 27, one day prior to the 31st Independence Bowl.

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