For Immediate Release

Contact: Sandy Rowley Mega Star Media INC
775-686-6065

DEAFAFRICA.org RECEIVED "OFFICIAL HONOREE" DISTINCTION
FOR THE TENTH ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS

www.DeafAfrica.org Recognized by Top International Honor for Web Sites

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, today recognized www.DeafAfrica.org as an Official Honoree, a distinction that recognizes sites exhibiting remarkable achievement. The site is produced by Sandy Rowley of Mega Star Media INC who designed, built and currently manages the site.

“Sandy Rowley is an angel and artist extraordinaire!” declares Joanne Sherif, Director of Deaf Africa Association. “Two minutes into our initial phone conversation, Sandy generously offered to donate the site to Deaf Africa Association. One can clearly see that she put her heart in the
design. After seeing the site for the first time, I immediately called her to ask if she had been to Africa because she caught the warmth of Ethiopia in every page. Sandy has a generous spirit and is a true winner!”

Deaf Africa Association seeks to improve the quality of education for Deaf and hard of hearing children in Africa. We work toward eliminating the societal stigma associated with Deafness in Ethiopia and greater Africa by supporting educational and vocational programs for Deaf and hard of hearing children, disseminating information and resources, and encouraging selfsufficiency.

Our current goal is to provide Alpha Special School with a technology program. We are committed to continue our support of transportation assistance, school supplies and a “onemealaday” food program.

Hailed as the "Online Oscars" by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, Naked Chef Jamie Oliver, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet," said Tiffany Shlain, founder and ambassador of The Webby Awards. " DeafAfrica.org's Official Honoree selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

The 10th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 5,500 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Official Honorees.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

Winners will be announced on May 9, 2006 and will be honored at a gala event at New York's Cipriani Wall Street on June 12, 2006.


About The Webby Awards:
Called the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 10th Annual Webby Awards received over 5,500 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: AOL; The Creative Group; Verizon; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; Fortune; OnRequest Images; IDG; iStockphoto; American Marketing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced Studios; MX Interactive and Museum of the Moving Image. For more information visit www.webbyawards.com.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS):
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, Naked Chef Jamie Oliver, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit www.iadas.net.