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Dog-Athlete to Swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco Bay in 10th Annual Alcatraz Invitational
For every supporter who signs up to track Jake's progress via mobile phone text message updates, $1 will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind
San Francisco – July 26, 2005 – Today WiggleWireless, an interactive
mobile marketing company that connects people to informational
updates via opt-in text messages, announced that on July 30 Jake, a
four-year-old golden retriever, will be the first dog to swim in the
Annual South End Rowing Club's Alcatraz Invitational Swim. A well-
trained athlete, Jake will swim the stretch from Alcatraz Island to
San Francisco Bay alongside his owner, WiggleWireless President Jeff
Pokonosky. Fans can track Jake's progress on their mobile phones for
free during the swim through live text message updates, provided by
WiggleWireless. For every fan that signs up, WiggleWireless will
donate $1 to San Francisco charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Additionally, waiting at the finish to congratulate Jake will be
world-class extreme ocean swimmer Lynne Cox, who personally
consulted Jake on his pre-race training. As a teenager, Lynne broke
both the men's and women's records for swimming the English Channel,
and she was the first person to swim the five miles between Alaska
and the Soviet Union, among her many other accomplishments. She also
recently authored the New York Times best-selling book "Swimming to
Antarctica."
"Whether you're human or dog it takes a lot of physical and mental
preparation to race in this Alcatraz event, and it's really
important that both prepare for the swim," said Cox. "I'm especially
happy to see all the safety precautions that have been taken for
Jake and for the other swimmers. It's a great event."
Jake, who stands 2'1" tall with 65 pounds of sheer muscle, has a
training schedule of two, two-mile ocean swims per week and an hour
of leg training and ball work five days a week. To show his great
mental preparation and discipline in the face of temptation, Jake
can even balance a cheeseburger on his nose. His favorite diet
includes dry dog food, energy-rich rice and cottage cheese every
other day, broccoli on Wednesday and a special treat of scrambled
eggs on Sunday. Though a number of coaches have encouraged a side-to-
side hip rotation and alternate breathing stroke techniques, Jake
insists on using his tried-and-true dog paddle.
"Jake is more than ready to conquer the challenge," said
Pokonosky. "It's been important in my life to train with Jake. He is
truly committed to our swims and is one of the best training
partners I've ever had. He never calls to say he can't make it and
truly inspires me to push my limits."
He added, "Every time we hit the beach for training, Jake leaps out
in the water and swims 75 yards in front of me. He clearly enjoys
the experience. Also, we're grateful for this opportunity to support
Guide Dogs for the Blind, a group dedicated to strict training,
discipline and devotion in order to make a difference in people's
lives."
President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Bob Phillips, also
expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "We are honored to be
selected as Jake's charity of choice and are certainly excited about
the support and awareness his swim is bringing to our organization."
Being a dog does have its perks, though Jake will be swimming just
as far as the other athletes. According to Bill Wygant, president of
the South End Rowing Club, "We decided to waive the entry fee for
Jake, particularly since he's racing for such a good cause, though
his offer to pay in tennis balls was more than generous. It has been
a goal since the South End Rowing Club was established over a
hundred years ago to support our members' unique swimming goals, be
it human or animal."
Anyone can track Jake's progress from the Rock to San Francisco Bay
by signing up for free up-to-the-minute text message updates on
their mobile phone. To sign up, supporters can visit
www.wigglewireless.com. A training video of Jake is also available
on the Web site. Start time for the race is scheduled for
approximately 9:15 a.m.
About WiggleWireless
WiggleWireless has developed a mobile marketing platform that
broadcasts relevant, self-selected information directly to mobile
phone users how they want it, when they want it, wherever they are.
Utilizing the most convenient and ubiquitous device known to man,
WiggleWireless gives users the freedom to step away from the
traditional information sources that tie them down. Users select the
message categories they want to receive and WiggleWireless then
broadcasts the information instantaneously as soon as it's available
directly to their mobile phone. Based in San Diego, WiggleWireless
was founded in 2002 by Jeff Pokonosky. More information is available
at www.wigglewireless.com.
About Alcatraz Invitational Swim
The 10th Annual Alcatraz Invitational Swim is organized by the South
End Rowing Club and boasts to have the most non-wetsuit swimmers
than any other Alcatraz Swimming Event. The South End Rowing Club
was established 1873 and is one of the oldest clubs founded for the
purpose of rowing and swimming in the San Francisco Bay. Records
continue to be broken by club members who swim the English Channel,
Alcatraz, or take on ever more daring feats. The club welcomes
membership to bay swimmers and rowers of all levels. For more
information or to register for the swim, link to www.south-end.org
or email Laila@loud-marketing.com. The South End Alcatraz
Invitational Swim is sponsored by Pacific Union Real Estate, Mack's
Earplugs, Maxim Sports Nutrition and the Argonaut Hotel.
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