FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, (Nov. 18) - The Georgia Aquarium is diving into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) World Passport program for Give Kids The World Village. After welcoming more than three million guests so far this year, today the aquarium is hosting its first World Passport family. Thousands of wish families from all over the world visit Give Kids The World Village each year for a once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive, cost-free Central Florida vacation. But the magic continues for a full year after this initial wish is fulfilled, thanks to the World Passport, which offers one day of admission to any participating IAAPA member recreational facility worldwide for wish children and their families.

“After our children leave the Village to continue the fight against their illness, the World Passport gives the entire family another amazing experience to look forward to,” said Give Kids The World President Pam Landwirth. “By supporting this program, the Georgia Aquarium is inspiring hope and creating lasting memories for these special children and their families, even after their return to doctor visits and medical treatments.”

Joining Landwirth in welcoming the first World Passport family are Jeff Swanagan, executive director of the Georgia Aquarium, and IAAPA President Charlie Bray.

“Give Kids The World and the Georgia Aquarium are all about giving families quality time together,” said Swanagan. “We are proud to join the IAAPA World Passport Program and to continue to give back to the community that has shown overwhelming support for the Aquarium.”

The announcement comes as IAAPA hosts IAAPA Attractions Expo 2006 in Atlanta and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the World Passport program.

About Give Kids The World Village

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 75,000 families from all 50 states and over 50 countries. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.

About Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and more than 100,000 animals of 500 different species. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging and exciting guest experiences and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents more than 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry.

CONTACT:
Christian Cascone,
Give Kids The World
(407) 396-1114

Dave Santucci,
Georgia Aquarium
(404) 581-4106

Nicholas Wolaver,
Edelman PR for IAAPA
(678) 358-7476