Barclays Capital Named PresentingSponsor Of Shake-A-Leg's Wall Street Corporate Challenge Cup

NEWPORT, R.I. (May 4, 2005) – Shake-A-Leg Newport today announced Barclays Capital has come aboard as presenting sponsor of the 2005 Wall Street Corporate Challenge Cup (WSCCC). Scheduled for July 8-9, the WSCCC brings together business leaders for two unforgettable days of racing in Newport, R.I. aboard legendary America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts. Proceeds – each of the teams raise $30,000 for the opportunity to participate – support Shake-A-Leg Newport’s programs for people with nervous system dysfunction and spinal cord injuries. This year’s honored guest is America’s Cup veteran Bill Ficker (Newport Beach, Calif.), who will return to race aboard the 12 Meter Intrepid, on which he bested Australia to win the 1970 America’s Cup.

"The partnership of Barclays Capital and the Wall Street Corporate Challenge Cup marks a significant step forward for the regatta," said Robie Pierce (Newport, R.I.), the event founder and Race Director of WSCCC. "Their financial support allows us to concentrate on our programs."

Returning champion PARKER/VETRIX -- a partnership of Parker Hannifin (Cleveland, Ohio) and Vectrix, Inc. (Newport, R.I.) – will face several veteran teams including BEAR STEARNS (New York, N.Y.), DEBEVOISE & PLYMPTON (New York, N.Y.), KBC FINANCIAL PRODUCTS (New York, N.Y.), MBIA (Armonk, N.Y.), MELLON INSTITUTIONAL ASSET MANAGEMENT (New York, N.Y./Boston, Mass.), and PROSKAUER ROSE (New York, N.Y.).

The corporate teams will consist of up to 10 members of the 14-person 12-Meter crew. In addition, each boat will have top sailors from Shake-A-Leg Newport’s adaptive sailing program leaving their wheelchairs on the dock to join the racing action.

Race headquarters are at the Newport Shipyard, with social activities taking place at the Hyatt Regency-Newport on Goat Island. Other sponsors are McLaughlin & Moran, Crystal Spring Water, Team One, The Market, Eastern Ice Co., New York Yacht Club and other local businesses and individuals.

On Friday, July 8, a crew reception and dinner honoring the winners of the Lauren Meaney Spirit and Alofsin awards will be held at the Hyatt Regency-Newport. The awards are presented annually to past Shake-A-Leg participants who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to society and who have personally advanced their own quality of life by using what they have learned at Shake-A-Leg Newport.

About Shake-A-Leg Newport

Shake-A-Leg Newport is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the mission of which is to assist its participants to become all they can be in education, work place and quality-of-life pursuits. Shake-A-Leg Newport utilizes Salve Regina University and Fort Adams State Park facilities for its adult and teen rehabilitation services, as well as the Confidence is Cool Camp for youngsters.

Shake-A-Leg Newport’s internationally recognized adaptive sailing program is located at Fort Adams State Park and provides recreational, instructional and competitive sailing opportunities for those who wish to build confidence.

For more information, contact Shake-A-Leg-Newport at P.O. Box 1264, Newport, R.I., 401-846-5549, or robie19@cox.net. Results will be available at www.shakealeg.org or www.wsccc.org