Smith & Nephew to serve as presenting sponsor in Memphis

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The PGA TOUR, Youth Programs, Inc. and Smith & Nephew, Inc. (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) announced on Monday that the medical device company will become the presenting sponsor of the 2010 St. Jude Classic, to be played June 7-13, at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

The 2010 event will be renamed the St. Jude Classic Presented by Smith & Nephew, and will unite two global healthcare organizations focused on restoring patients' lives. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been the sole beneficiary of the tournament since 1970 and to date has received more than $23.3 million in funding.

"We are extremely pleased that Smith & Nephew, a company that recognizes the positive impact the PGA TOUR's Memphis tournament has had on the community, will serve as presenting sponsor of the St. Jude Classic," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Over the years, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has received tremendous support and exposure from the event, and Smith & Nephew's commitment as presenting sponsor will help St. Jude provide lifesaving treatment to children with deadly diseases."

"It is a privilege to be associated with this global force for the transformation of children's lives," said Dave Illingworth, Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Nephew, PLC. "For more than 150 years, Smith & Nephew has worked to heal the human body, and the St. Jude Classic Presented by Smith & Nephew is a strong connector between us and the global power of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Our 9,500 employees in nearly three dozen countries join me in recognizing the enduring value of this charitable institution."

"Being headquartered in Memphis, we get to see firsthand the impact St. Jude has on the lives of children and their families," said Joseph M. DeVivo, President of Smith & Nephew's Memphis-based Orthopaedics division. "Many of our employees have been touched by the St. Jude family, either through direct care or by involvement in their mission. It is an honor to associate our brands and to broadcast our shared message of restoration and healing."

"I speak for more than 1,800 volunteers when I say we are delighted that Smith & Nephew has chosen to become the presenting sponsor of our event," said St. Jude Classic General Chairman Jack Sammons. "Smith & Nephew is a global company with a large percentage of its business in the Memphis area and their significant support allows us to continue raising funds for a world-class charity."