SPORTS CALENDAR

July 1-9

Wimbledon

The tournament fortnight began June 26, and at this writing American Pete Sampras remains in contention for a "three-peat" - championships in three consecutive years. If he succeeds, he will become the only man besides Bjorn Borg to accomplish the feat in the Open era, which began in 1968.

July 1-9

Special Olympics World Summer Games '95

"Let me try to win, but if I cannot, let me be brave" is the motto of the Special Olympics, which celebrate the achievements of people viewed as mentally retarded. These ninth World Games are being called the largest sports event held in the world this year and the largest ever in Connecticut. More than 7,000 athletes from some 130 countries will participate in New Haven.

July 1-23

Tour de France

The reign of Spain's Miguel Indurain could continue during the 82nd running of bicycling's premier event. Indurain seeks to become the first rider to win five consecutive times. The stage races start in Brittany, pass through Belgium, and finish 2,120 miles later in Paris.

July 11

Baseball All-Star Game

This traditionally represents the midway point of the major-league season. The American League hosts this year's American-National League rivalry at The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Last year the NL won 8-7 in the bottom of the 10th.

July 13-16

US Women's Open (golf)

Other tournaments offer more prize money, but this is the one to win for the sake of tradition and prestige. The Open dates to 1946, making it the oldest women's "major." This year it will be held at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

July 20-23

British Open (men's golf)

Greg Norman, the most frustrated major-tourney golfer of his time, has only two major titles in his bag, both British (1986 and 1993). Another Norman conquest could occur in Fife, Scotland, however, since he is playing some of the best golf of his career.

July 21-30

US Olympic Festival

Held every summer in non-Olympic years, the festival takes on added significance with the Olympics only a year away. The competition, which brings together top American athletes in a format that mirrors the Olympics, will be spread among the Colorado cities of Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, where the US Olympic Committee has its headquarters and main training center.

July 23

DieHard 500 (stock car racing)

The NASCAR circuit has a reputation for bumper-to-bumper action. The record shows that the most intense tailgating occurs at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., during the DieHard 500. According to a survey, the race has produced more lead changes than any other event over the last decade.

July 29

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

After viewing enshrinement ceremonies for Jim Finks, Henry Jordan, Steve Largent, Lee Roy Selmon, and Kellen Winslow, fans can watch the National Football League's two expansion teams - the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars - take to the field in Canton, Ohio.