Dave McIntyre, who had been the chairperson, died suddenly in June in the midst of preparations. Fellow planners feared they would be scrambling. Then they opened McIntyre's event binder and saw that every detail had been covered.

"He was very inspirational," says Sherry Mar, logistics chairperson.

Mar joins Ann Bracci, event co-chairperson, in organizing this year's Sports Challenge. The two consider McIntyre to be a co-chairperson as well.

The Aug. 27 Sports Challenge will have the theme "Stars and Stripes Forever." Participants will choose from four activities: a golf, tennis or bowling tournament or the "UNevent," a morning of pampering for the non-sports minded.

The golf tournament will be held at a new venue this year, Oakland's Metropolitan Golf Links. Groups can sign up in advance, or individuals can be matched with others to make a foursome. Players compete in a scramble format with surprises at each hole and the change to purchase mulligans.

The Dave McIntyre tennis event at the Harbor Bay Club also offers a chance to skew the outcome. Players can buy an ace or a service return, an idea instituted by McIntyre a few years ago.

"If you buy enough, you can wind up beating a really good player," says Bracci. "That's fun, because it frustrates the good players."

The bowling tournament at AMF South Shore Lanes has been added this year in response to requests from past Sports Challenge participants. Finally, the UNevent, open to both men and women, offers chair massages, facials and other treatments plus champagne and a silent auction at Harbor Bay Club.

"The UNevent is for people who don't want to sweat on purpose," says Bracci.

Each activity runs simultaneously during the morning with all participants coming together for a gourmet barbecue lunch at Harbor Bay Club.

A raffle and silent auction at the luncheon will include trips, wine and other special items. The afternoon ends with award ceremonies for tournament winners.

As in past years, all fees and proceeds will benefit more than 1,500 East Bay children and adults participating in Special Olympics.

"Special Olympics programs are completely free to the athletes," says Mary Do of Special Olympics of Northern California. "The programs are not federally funded and are able to exist only through the generous support of businesses, individuals, families and other supporters."

Funds go toward sports equipment, transportation and other costs incurred during competitions. The rewards are immeasurable, according to Do, as athletes build self-esteem, friendships and physical well-being. Competitions allow athletes to travel outside their homes and be a part of the greater community.

Alameda Special Olympics coaches and athletes, sporting their medals, will be on hand for the Sports Challenge luncheon.

"The athletes are always excited about this event," says Do. "They are grateful for the support and like being in a setting where they aren't looked at differently."

Besides supporting a good cause, the event provides excellent networking opportunities. Organizers encourage business owners to bring clients or co-workers as a way to get to know them in a relaxed setting.

"It's both a fun day and a fundraiser," says Do.

The event was instituted by Bruce Sergent, who had headed the Alameda County division of Placer Title Co., as a way for the real estate industry to give back to the community. Alameda County Realtors and Affiliates continues to sponsor the event and provide member volunteers. Although Sergent has passed away, he is remembered each year at the event. Placer Title Co. continues to be a major sponsor of the Sports Challenge.

Organizers remind everyone that the Sports Challenge is open to all, not only the real estate community. To register, become a sponsor or donate raffle or auction prizes, contact Do at maryd@sonc.org or call (925) 944-8801, ext. 223. Early-bird discounts for some activities are available until Aug. 16. Interested sponsors should sign up by Aug. 13 to appear in the program.

Call Suzanne T. Storar at 523-6641 or e-mail STStorar@aol.com with information about Alameda's interesting people, places or events.