HOUSTON (June 27, 2008)

Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute has signed a medical collaboration and research and studies exchange agreement with the Club Atlético de Madrid Research and Studies Centre. This agreement marks the first international sports medicine affiliation of its kind in the country.

"We're delighted to know that the collaborative ties between Spain and Houston are being strengthened through our medical and athletic organizations, and we hope that they continue to be beneficial for the Memorial Hermann Health System and its IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute, as well as for the Atlético de Madrid Studies and Research Centre in the near future," said Dr. José María Villalón, Club Atlético de Madrid chief of medical services.

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Juanita Romans views the partnership as an opportunity to have a sports medicine program that not only benefits the needs of Houstonians, but also of those across the globe.

"Today's announcement marks an international first for sports medicine and I am proud to call Club Atletico de Madrid our partners," said Memorial Hermann Chief of Sports Medicine Tory Crawford. "We share a common goal with Club Atlético de Madrid in that we are both dedicated to advancing research and educational opportunities in our respective fields."

Memorial Hermann is also the official healthcare provider for the Houston Rockets, Houston Comets, and the Houston Aeros.

About Club Atlético De Madrid

Club Atlético de Madrid is a Spanish football club based in Madrid who play in the Primera División of La Liga. In 2003, the club celebrated its 100th anniversary. The club is one of the most successful in Spanish League history, having won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey on nine occasions, including a double in 1996. They also won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1962 and were European Cup runners-up and Intercontinental Cup winners in 1974. Their home stadium is the Vicente Calderón Stadium.