Cartoon Network to Celebrate NATIONAL RECESS WEEK ’09 with NBA’s Dwyane Wade, Guinness World Record(TM) and $100,000 in School Grants
WEEK, now in its third year, to record heights in 2009. The
celebration will feature sports and fitness celebrities, nearly 7,000 public
and private elementary schools,
and more than 100,000 iconic red rubber balls. Crowning the weeklong campaign
will be a nationwide effort by participating kids to set a brand new Guinness
World Record in four-square. The multi-faceted pro-social campaign was
created in 2006 as part of Cartoon Network’s overall GET ANIMATED program to
celebrate the multiple physical, emotional and scholastic benefits of daily
recess for kids ages 6-12 in elementary schools across the country. The 2009
operation will conclude with spring GET ANIMATED events at Boys & Girls Clubs
of America and a 40-city GET ANIMATED Tour this summer.
NBA superstar and Summer Olympics gold medalist
guard) will once again serve as national spokesperson and on-air/online PSA
host for NATIONAL RECESS WEEK, representing Cartoon Network’s ongoing
partnership with the National Basketball Association’s social responsibility
arm, NBA Cares (www.nba.com/nba_cares). Additionally, former tennis pro and
BGCA spokesperson
Michaels
Record for the largest simultaneous game of four-square, a popular
indoor/outdoor recess activity. The event will be staged at noon (ET) to
accommodate all public and private schools that have registered their students
to participate in the Guinness record-setting event. Cartoon Network will
stage a minimum 120 concurrent games of four-square with multiple participants
in order to set the new world record.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and I’m grateful that my
involvement with the NBA can help shine some needed light on how recess can be
both fun and healthy,” said Wade. “NATIONAL RECESS WEEK fits right in line
with my Wade’s World Foundation, which provides support to community-based
organizations that promote education, health and social skills for kids in at-
risk situations. It’s all about what’s best for kids, so I’m delighted to
play a role in Cartoon Network’s yearly campaign.”
“This annual event has become a favorite for all of us at Cartoon Network
as it offers the opportunity to benefit elementary schools across the country
along with the chance to personally volunteer and serve kids in our own
neighborhoods,” said
Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media group. “Studies
have shown that daily recess provides not only vital physical exercise but a
much-needed break for all kids to refresh and re-energize for their in-
classroom work.” Snyder continued, “We’re grateful that principals and gym
teachers all over the country have embraced NATIONAL RECESS WEEK and recognize
recess’ rightful place within each school day.”
Cartoon Network will once again commit
schools that signed up
chance to win one of ten
selected in five separate regions across the U.S. — two schools per territory
– and officially awarded the grant during NATIONAL RECESS WEEK. Nearly 7,000
public and private elementary schools participated in this year’s free grant
drawing.
Mayors in 30 major cities across the country — nearly twice the number
involved last year — have officially proclaimed
NATIONAL RECESS WEEK. Their shared goal is to help encourage more schools to
participate in local recess celebration events and volunteer efforts now and
throughout the school year.
Additional partners linking up with Cartoon Network and NBA Cares for the
2009 NATIONAL RECESS WEEK campaign include the National Association for Sport
& Physical Education (NASPE), the National Association of Elementary School
Principals (NAESP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Physical Activity and Health Branch, the President’s Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports, and the Association of Junior Leagues International.
SOURCE Cartoon Network
