Whitman-Walker Clinic today announces that four-time Olympic gold medalist diver Greg Louganis will be the grand marshal for the 22nd annual AIDS Walk on Saturday, October 4, 2008

"It's an honor to help support an organization like Whitman- Walker Clinic that does such tremendous work for people living with HIV/AIDS in the nation's capital," said Louganis. "The AIDS Walk will not only help raised needed funds for the Clinic's HIV/AIDS services but also helps raise awareness of the alarming state of the epidemic in Washington, DC. I hope to see thousands of area residents at Freedom Plaza on October 4, 2008.

"Greg Louganis is a true American hero," said Donald Blanchon, chief executive officer for Whitman-Walker Clinic. "He is a hero not just for his accomplishments in the sport of diving but for his courage in disclosing that he is HIV-positive and his work on behalf of those living with HIV. We are deeply honored to have him as part of this year's Walk."

This year's walk will take place Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Freedom Plaza in downtown DC. Once again, this year's walk will include a timed 5K run. This year, Whitman-Walker Clinic will partner with the Capital Running Company to manage the timed run.

Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care and social services in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Through three sites, in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; medical adherence case management; and a food bank. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the health needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

For more information on AIDS Walk Washington, call 202-332-WALK or visit www.aidswalkwashington.org.