Shaquille O'Neal to Host Cartoon Network's HALL OF GAME Awards

"The Diesel," "Shaq Fu," "The Big Microphone," Shaquille O'Neal announced today via his Twitter account that he will host the second annual Hall of Game Awards, airing on Cartoon Network in early 2012. Cartoon Network's Hall of Game Awards is a high-energy, off-the-wall, multi-platform experience that lets viewers vote for and honor their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year. Last year 1,487,000 total viewers* tuned in and more than 37 million voted online for their favorite sports stars to win the GAME trophy.

"I'm so excited to be hosting the Hall of Game Awards," said O'Neal. "While I can't guarantee who will win, I can guarantee it will be a blast!"

"Shaquille O'Neal is the ideal sports icon to host the fun at this year's Hall of Game Awards show," said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. "With Shaq's help, we will build off of last year's success to deliver an exciting blend of celebrity, sports, music and entertainment."

This first-of-its-kind, sports award and entertainment event for kids, will once again be produced by IMG Media, the production arm of global sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. Time Inc. Sports Group's SI KIDS franchise will be serving again as the official media partner. Veteran, award-winning television and special events producer, Michael Dempsey and Steve Mayer will again serve as executive producers. Viewers can expect a star-packed red carpet, on stage celebrity surprises, icons from television, film, music and sports, and hilarious hijinks all wrapped up into one awesome awards show.

Last year's show was hosted by skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, and featured appearances by First Lady Michelle Obama, Jessica Aney (SI KIDS' Sportskid of the Year), Nnamdi Asomugha, Jake T. Austin, Drew Brees, Shannon Brown, Kobe Bryant, Chewbacca, Chris Cole, Lucas Cruikshank aka "Fred," Stephen Curry, Landon Donovan, Carl Edwards, Roger Federer, Arian Foster, Rick Fox, Zachary Gordon, A.J. Hawk, David Henrie, Dwight Howard, DeSean Jackson, LeBron James, Greg Jennings, Joe Johnson, Tony Kanaan, Lisa Leslie, Robbie Maddison, Sal Masekela, Terrell Owens, Rico Rodriguez, Ryan Sheckler, Matthew Stafford, Amar'e Stoudemire, Andrew W.K., Dwyane Wade, Venus Williams, Tiger Woods and the cast of Cartoon Network's Dude, What Would Happen - C.J. Manigo, Jackson Rogow and Ali Sepasyar - along with musical performances by Far East Movement and Travie McCoy.