ATLANTA (Nov. 12, 2002) - Centennial Olympic Park's programming is turning some industry heads. The Park recently took the gold in a number of categories at the prestigious 47th Annual International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Convention held Nov. 7 in Louisville, Ky.

The Park's Sept. 11 remembrance, "Atlanta Unites," held two weeks after the attack on America, garnered the gold Pinnacle award for "Best Full Length TV Program" and "Best Volunteer Program." The event also won a silver Pinnacle for "Best Event/Program to Benefit a Charity" and "Best Community Outreach Program."

"Atlanta Unites" raised nearly $250,000 for the relief efforts in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. Over 1,100 people volunteered at the event emceed by television personality Montel Williams. Gov. Roy Barnes, Sen. Max Cleland and Ambassador Andrew Young also participated in the festivities alongside over 30 musical entertainers, including the Indigo Girls, Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain.

"We are very proud and honored to receive international recognition for our programs, especially given the caliber of events and programs we were competing against," said Brian Hill, assistant general manager of Centennial Olympic Park. "To know that our events stand out among the best in the business is very rewarding," he added.

"Atlanta Unites" was not the only event that won awards. Centennial Olympic Park also took first place for "Best New Fund-raising Program" for the Park's annual weekend-long, birthday bash, ParkFest. The celebration is held each spring and features live music, arts and crafts, and a dramatic fireworks show.

The International Festival and Events Association's mission is to provide cutting-edge professional development and fund-raising ideas to the special events industry. IFEA is dedicated to advancing world festivals and events through publications, seminars, the annual convention and trade show and ongoing networking.