Tony Hawk To Host Cartoon Network's First Ever Hall Of Game Awards

Sports Awards Show to Air on Cartoon Network Friday, February 25, 2011
Cartoon Network today announced that skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will host the inaugural Hall of Game Awards, airing on Cartoon Network, on Friday, February 25, 2011, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT).

The Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards is a high-energy, off-the-wall, multi-platform experience that lets viewers vote and honor their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year. This first-of-its-kind, sports award and entertainment event for kids, is created and produced in association with IMG Media, the production arm of global sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. Veteran, award-winning television and special events producers, Michael Dempsey and Steve Mayer serve as executive producers and The Sports Illustrated Group's SI KIDS franchise is the official media partner.

"Tony is a world class athlete revered by sports fans of all ages," said Rob Sorcher, Cartoon Network's Chief Content Officer. "He brings a sense of fun, daring and adventure that will thrill kids and families with a night full of fun and the unexpected."

"I am excited to host this fun and unique awards show," said Tony Hawk. "Like the sports we are honoring, there will be nonstop excitement and all kinds of surprises. Plenty of mayhem and laughs, too. "Get your votes in and be part of it!"

Fans can vote for their favorite nominees in seven award categories on HallofGame.com. Voting categories and their respective nominees, which are live now on HallofGame.com, include: "Most Awesome Mascot," sponsored by Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers; "He's Got Game," the award for the best male athlete; "She Got Game," the award for the best female athlete; "That's How I Roll," sponsored by Kids Foot Locker and awarded to the most stylish athlete; "Alti-dude," the alternative sports award for athletes that spend most of their time in the air; "Dance Machine," the award for the best celebratory dance; and "My Bad," the award for the best sports blooper or blunder. Additional awards categories and nominees will be announced soon.

From the red carpet, to the never-before-seen stunts and surprises on stage, Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards show will feature icons from television, film, music and sports, as kids experience an evening of humor and fun at the most raucous and biggest sports awards show ever presented on television.

When Tony Hawk's brother handed him a blue fiberglass skateboard at the age of nine, Tony had no idea he would become the most famous skateboarder of all time. By the time he was 25, Hawk had entered an estimated 103 pro contests, winning 73 of them, and placing second in 19. By far the best record in skateboarding's history. He was the world champion for 12 years in a row. In 1999 at the X Games, Tony became the first skateboarder to ever land a 900, the holy grail of vert skateboarding. Soon after, he retired from competitions, though he continues to skate demos and exhibitions all over the world. He has won numerous awards including Make-A-Wish Foundation's Favorite Male Athlete, Teen Choice Awards' Choice Male Athlete and Nickelodeon's Kid's Choice Awards' Favorite Male Athlete.

From video games to skateboards to online media to clothing to world tours, Tony has dominated the action sports business market with his laid-back style. The most recognized action-sports figure in the world, and according to some marketing surveys the most recognizable athlete of any kind in the United States, Tony regularly appears on television and in films, and hosts a weekly show on the Sirius XM. Tony is also a role model for fans of all ages; his Tony Hawk Foundation has given away over $3 million to 450 skate park projects throughout the United States serving over 3 million youth.