Las Vegas, Nevada (August 12, 2011)–The tournament management of the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shrines Hospitals for Children Open has announced that football great Emmitt Smith, who was enshrined into the Hall of Fame last week, is scheduled to play in the official MGM Resorts International Championship Pro-Am at the JT Shriners Open on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 at Las Vegas golf course TPC Summerlin. Smith, who works with his wife on their own foundation, said in a statement he is happy to play and continue the efforts of Timberlake and the Shriners. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pro-Am to support the Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said Smith. “Pat and I are driven to help children through our organization and it’s an honor to be involved with such a prestigious event in Las Vegas. I have a lot of respect for Justin’s charitable efforts and I want to support him.”–By Brian Hurlburt.
A true advocate and supporter of America’s youth, Smith and his wife, Pat, founded the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, an organization dedicated to creating unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for under-served children. Recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, having amassed 18,355 yards during his 14 seasons in the league. "We are thrilled that Emmitt has put his support and participation behind the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open," says Adam Sperling, Tournament Director. "The work that Emmitt and his wife Pat have done to benefit under-served children in other parts of the country only serve to further the charitable movements aimed at assisting those most in need. If his golf game is as solid as his heart he’s my early pick to win."
The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. The 2010 tournament is October 17-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.