Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Friday, June 17, 2011

Young Girl's Wish to Make Play Accessible to All Is Realized at Taylor's Dream Playground in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Playworld Systems

LEWISBURG, PA — Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative, customized commercial play and fitness equipment, has announced the opening of a new inclusive playground in Fort Wayne, Ind., which features the company’s equipment. The ribbon-cutting for Taylor’s Dream Playground in Kreager Park took place on June 10, with numerous local dignitaries, financial supporters, residents and representatives from Playworld Midstates, Boundless Playgrounds, CVS/pharmacy, Pepsico, Turnstone, League for the Blind and Disabled, YMCA, AWS and Easter Seals Arc joining the celebration.

The idea of Taylor’s Dream Playground began when an 11-year-old girl, Taylor Reuille, realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t fully utilize many playgrounds. Four years later, the new inclusive playground in Fort Wayne allows children of all abilities to play together, and includes amenities that address the needs of children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities.

“This playground is even better than I imagined, and I know it’s because so many people worked together to make it a reality,” said Reuille. “Now my friend Mallory, who was my inspiration for this playground, can play with all the other kids. No one has to sit by the sidelines and feel left out anymore.”

After Taylor’s Dream won the Pepsi Refresh Challenge last summer, the playground was awarded $70,000, with $40,000 made possible by CVS/pharmacy as part of their All Kids Can program and $30,000 from a Pepsi Refresh grant.

“We are excited that our equipment is helping to make Taylor’s dream a reality,” said Ian Proud, research manager for Playworld Systems. “Playground equipment plays a vital role in the social development of all children and everyone involved in building Fort Wayne’s newest recreational area has done an outstanding job of bringing inclusive play to local residents.”

Taylor’s Dream at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible parking, ramps and walkways, and a picnic pavilion.

The new play area features:
• The Alpha Pod, designed for younger children (2 – 5 years), provides opportunities for parallel play, as well as group and solitary play. It also encourages role playing, socialization and creative, imaginative play. Educational panels help children identify shapes and colors.

• The Beta Pod, designed for children ages 2 – 12, provides an intriguing, multi-sensory themed play area featuring equipment from Playworld Systems’ Origins product line, play elements and site amenities that seamlessly blend active outdoor play with nature. A fossilized T-Rex “skeleton” from Playworld Systems’ Origins™ line will encourage children to imagine themselves as archaeologists, while NEOS® 360 promotes competition and teamwork by combining video game speed with aerobic activity for users of all abilities.

• The Gamma Pod, designed for older children (5 – 12 years), offers broad opportunities for parallel play, as well as group and solitary play. It also encourages role playing, socialization and creative, imaginative play. The keystone of this pod is Playworld’s Aero Glider, a multi-user rocker that provides enough room for two wheelchair users to sit side-by-side. The unique stepping platform on both ends provides an opportunity for more kids to play and increases the motion and fun. High rear rails allow adults to assist with the gliding motion while experiencing the enjoyment themselves. There are also seats on each end so that all users can enjoy the swaying motion.

Mayor Tom Henry proclaimed June 10 as “Taylor’s Dream Day” and reminded citizens that Fort Wayne has earned the distinction of being a Playful City USA, dedicated to increasing awareness of accessibility, safety education and the importance of play.

About Playworld Systems, Inc.

For 40 years, Playworld Systems has been a leader in creating imaginative, customized commercial play and fitness equipment that positively impacts the health and well-being of communities around the globe. Based on the belief that The World Needs Play®, Playworld Systems brings the joy and benefits of healthful outdoor play to people of every age and ability through such innovative product lines as ENERGI®, LifeTrail® Advanced Wellness System, Playworld®, PlayDesigns®, NEOS® and Origins™. The multi-generational, family-owned company continues to invest significant resources to measurably reduce its impact on the environment, from taking aggressive action to eliminate PVC to enhancing its waste management and recycling programs. In fact, Playworld Systems is the first major U.S. playground manufacturer to remove 99.999 percent of PVC from its products. Playworld Systems offers an optimal customer experience unique in the industry – from value-added services using Microsoft Tag to personalized attention through its vast network of local distributors.

Posted At 11:44 AM • Comments (6)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

L.A. Youngsters Benefit from Surplus of 1984 Olympic Games

Posted by AB Editors

Source: LA84 Foundation

LOS ANGELES — The LA84 Foundation recently announced $1,289,733 in grants to support 30 youth sports programs throughout Southern California. Since its inception, the Foundation has given back more than $199 million to the communities that supported the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“In today’s difficult economic environment, the assistance the LA84 Foundation provides to youth sports organizations is needed more than ever,” said Anita L. DeFrantz, president of the LA84 Foundation. “These organizations are stepping up to the line to ensure that youngsters have the opportunity to participate in sports. They deserve our support and that of others.”

Among the organizations receiving the latest grants is the Beyond the Bell Branch (BTB) of the Los Angeles Unified School District ($525,000). BTB offers a free, year-round, seasonal sports program at all 95 middle schools in the District serving 20,000 boys and girls. Students Run LA ($125,000) received funding for its highly successful program that trains 3,000 middle/high school students to run the LA Marathon. The grant to A Better LA ($100,000) is to assist with uniforms/jerseys for the soccer and basketball programs at the 32 sites that are part of the Summer Night Lights Program (SNL). SNL is an LA city-wide initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development now in its fourth year. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center ($50,704) will continue to offer a learn-to-swim program during the school day to more than 400 third graders in the Pasadena Unified School District. Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley ($50,000) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach ($40,000) will use funding to upgrade their respective gym floors. Anahuak Youth Soccer Association ($43,700) will use funding for its soccer program that is offered to more than 2,000 boys and girls in Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights and Highland Park.

Additional grants: Inglewood Police Activities League ($30,000); YALLA San Diego, Inc. ($30,000); J Tech Institute Inc. ($27,890, South Los Angeles); Youth Speak Collective ($27,140, Pacoima); Perris Valley Youth Association Sports ($25,000); Hollywood Police Activity League ($24,000); Watts Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club ($25,200); American Youth Soccer Organization (Region 1065) ($20,000, Montebello); Boys & Girls Club of Whittier Inc. ($13,599); Back Bay Youth Rugby Football Club ($10,000, Costa Mesa); Claremont Junior All American Football and Cheer ($10,000); Eastside Lions Youth Football and Cheer Association ($5,000, Antelope Valley); El Segundo Youth Football & Cheerleading, Inc. ($10,000); Encinitas Soccer League ($10,000); Glendale Junior All American Football Association, Inc. ($10,00); Lincoln Heights Youth Association ($10,000); Moreno Valley Junior All American Football and Cheer Association, Inc. ($10,000); Mouse In The House Foundation ($7,500, Ontario); Neighborhood Junior Tennis Program Inc. ($10,000, Northeast San Fernando Valley); Oak Grove Institute Foundation, Inc. ($10,000, Riverside); Team Prime Time, Inc. ($10,000, West Los Angeles); The Apple Valley Police Community Activity League ($10,000); United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County ($10,000).

About LA84 Foundation

The LA84 Foundation was established to manage Southern California’s share of the surplus from the highly successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Foundation received $93 million at its inception. Since it began operations in 1985, it has invested $199 million in sports programs serving more than two million youth in the eight Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Its headquarters is located in the historic Britt House near downtown Los Angeles where it houses the world’s premier sports library and meeting facilities. The Foundation provides grants to youth sports organizations, manages programs, including a coaching education program, and convenes numerous forums for the exploration of the most pressing issues in sport. For additional information, please visit www.LA84Foundation.org.

Posted At 4:47 PM • Comments (0)

IAVM Announces 2011 Venue Excellence Awards

Posted by AB Editors

Source: International Association of Venue Managers

Coppell, Texas — The Venue Excellence Awards will be presented in Phoenix, Ariz., on July 25 during the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show. These prestigious awards recognize venues that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. The winners were assessed on four criteria:
1) service to the community
2) team building/professional development
3) safety and security
4) operational excellence

These criteria complement the IAVM Value Statements of integrity, service, safety, education, advocacy and people first.

The award winners are:
• Arenas – BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
• Convention Centers – Vancouver Convention Center, Vancouver, B.C.
• Performing Arts Centers – Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Stadiums – Safeco Field, Seattle, Wash.
• Venue Education – Colonial Life Arena, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C.

“These awards were created to recognize outstanding venues. The venues that have been chosen this year have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and unsurpassed commitment of the highest standards within our industry. They are most deserving of this recognition.” said IAVM Chairman of the Board, John Siehl, CFE. Past Chairman Shura Garnett, CFE, and Past President Robyn Williams, CFE, created the awards.

IAVM will annually recognize venues that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. The Board of Directors looks forward to seeing future venues take the stage to receive this prestigious distinction.

The International Association of Venue Managers is the world's largest
professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage public assembly venues such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,500 members worldwide. More information is available at www.IAVM.org.

Posted At 4:28 PM • Comments (1)

Friday, June 10, 2011

Hussey Seating of Maine Acquires Clarin Seating of Illinois

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Hussey Seating

North Berwick, ME – Hussey Seating Company announced today that it has acquired Clarin Seating of Illinois. Hussey Seating, a 175–year-old family business, is a global leader in spectator seating. Clarin, a company with very strong brand equity in its markets, offers Hussey the potential for significant growth in and beyond its core markets.

“This is an opportunity to capitalize on the strengths that Hussey and Clarin bring to the table and invigorate both brands through our expertise in manufacturing, product development and sales & marketing,” says Tim Hussey. “Hussey, Clarin and most importantly our customers all stand to benefit.”

From a business standpoint, Hussey and Clarin are ideally matched. The two companies focus on the school and sports facility markets, create complementary product lines, have compatible manufacturing requirements, and share a reputation for quality.

Hussey Seating produces a wide range of seating solutions for schools, stadiums and entertainment venues. Fans cheer from Hussey bleachers around the corner and all over the world. The company has a world-class manufacturing facility in North Berwick, Maine, which produces more than a half-million seats a year and has the capacity for many more.

Clarin is best known for producing portable seats (known in the industry as “Clarin Chairs”) that are found in gyms, arenas and entertainment venues such as theaters and casinos. Clarin also manufactures fixed tabletop learning systems used in schools K-12 through college.

While Hussey’s short-term plan is to continue manufacturing Clarin products in the Chicago area, at least through the end of the summer, the company will eventually move this operation to Hussey’s facility in Maine. “We plan to implement changes carefully and respectfully over the coming months, communicating with Clarin staff early and often to ease the transition,” says Tim Hussey.

“Now that our dedicated team has put this acquisition together, the real work begins. We recognize that we have a lot to learn and many factors to consider with this acquisition, but we’re confident of making exciting new inroads in the marketplace.”

About Hussey Seating

A family-owned company founded in 1835, Hussey Seating Company is a world leader in developing and manufacturing seating solutions including facilities for the sports and education markets. Hussey’s high quality range of spectator seating includes fixed plastic and upholstered chairs, telescopic platforms, and telescopic gym seating (traditionally known as bleachers).

Posted At 10:03 AM • Comments (1)

Friday, June 03, 2011

Colorado Time Systems Selected for FINA Junior World Swimming Championships

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Colorado Time Systems

Loveland, CO-June 3, 2011- Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) has signed a five-year timing & scoring sponsorship agreement with Colorado Time Systems, a Loveland, Colo.-based company.

"FINA is very pleased with this agreement and the services it includes. The professionalism and experience of Colorado Time Systems will bring a great benefit to the Championships' organizers and will certainly enhance the image of the FINA Junior World Swimming Championships worldwide," said FINA President Mustapha Larfaoui.

Colorado Time Systems has an unequivocal domestic market share in the aquatics industry, with a majority of aquatic facilities utilizing their swim timing, scoring, and display equipment. The agreement between FINA and Colorado Time Systems points to significant progress in the recognition of an American company as a partner to this international sports authority. As a partner, Colorado Time Systems will be providing all timing, scoring, and data handling services to the FINA Junior World Swimming Championships, the first being held in Lima, Peru.

"Colorado Time Systems is pleased to work in conjunction with FINA to enhance the championship experience for athletes, organizers, and spectators. This is an ideal venue to attract more young athletes to participate in aquatic sports," said Dr. Anita Sayed, President & CEO of Colorado Time Systems.

About Colorado Time Systems

Based in Loveland, Colo., Colorado Time Systems has established a reputation for precision and innovation in swim timing equipment. Since 1972, premier aquatic facilities have chosen Colorado Time Systems for platinum quality timing, scoring, and display systems.

About FINA

Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the sole worldwide sports organization governing swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo and open water swimming.

Posted At 4:31 PM • Comments (1)

Defibtech, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association Make AED Donations

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Defibtech

WASHINGTON--For the fourth straight year, Defibtech and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) have teamed up to donate and distribute Lifeline™ automated external defibrillators to 12 organizations with critical needs.

“Each year, we donate AEDs to be placed in public areas where they are needed most,” said Defibtech CEO Dr. Glenn W. Laub, who announced the effort at the start of National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week. Having an AED in a public place such as a school, church or community center strengthens the “chain of survival” by speeding the response to a sudden cardiac arrest victim, who must be revived with a defibrillator within five minutes for the best chance of survival. Each minute longer decreases the chance of survival by 10 percent. After 10 minutes without defibrillation, few victims of sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, survive.

SCAA President Lisa Levine, CAE, said local SCAA chapters and affiliates nominated not-for-profit organizations for the donations according to financial need and community access. "Sudden cardiac arrest continues to strike at alarming numbers; yet our chapters across the country are making extraordinary strides in expanding awareness of SCA. This AED donation effort is a vital element to our spectrum of SCA awareness, which also includes education on heart healthy lifestyles, medical therapies and treatments, and post-SCA recovery and rehabilitation," Levine said. "Defibtech's continued support of this effort has touched thousands of lives, and its patient-centered approach demonstrates why the company is an industry leader that our chapters look forward to working with year after year."

Congress designated the first week in June each year as National CPR and AED Awareness Week to encourage CPR training and the placement of AEDs in public places. “As Americans become more aware of sudden cardiac arrest and AEDs, more of them will be ready and willing to make a lifesaving response in an emergency,” Dr. Laub said.

While AEDs are becoming more commonplace in public areas, recent studies show that many individuals are still reluctant to use them. For example, nearly 75 percent of the respondents to a Defibtech and Harris Interactive survey had concerns about their ability to properly and immediately provide AED treatment. While most AEDs have audio capabilities that provide instructions to emergency responders, these capabilities alone have not provided the solution needed to increase bystander intervention.

Defibtech wanted to know what kind of AED design features would make potential lifesavers more confident and asked the question: in addition to audio instruction, what would give you greater confidence to use an AED? The answer was video – 45 percent of the survey respondents said an AED providing animated video instruction of how to revive a sudden cardiac arrest victim increased their confidence.

In turn, Defibtech created the Lifeline View™, the only external defibrillator that integrates video, voice, pictures and text to help save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim in real time. The View guides a rescuer through each step of CPR and defibrillation, showing and telling a rescuer exactly what to do to save a life. For example, when the View’s voice prompt says, “Place pads on patient’s chest,” the video shows the rescuer exactly where to place the pads.

About Defibtech

Defibtech designs and manufactures defibrillators, which include the Lifeline™ and ReviveR™ families of AEDs. Defibtech’s products are sold through its network of distribution partners in the United States and around the world. Defibtech is headquartered in Guilford, Conn.

About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) is an organization focused on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCAA identifies and unites survivors, those at-risk of SCA, and others touched by SCA who are interested in being educators in their communities and beyond. The membership is dedicated to promoting solutions to prevent sudden cardiac death, including increased awareness, immediate bystander action, public access to defibrillation (PAD), and access to preventive therapies.

Posted At 1:00 PM • Comments (7)

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Harbinger Announces Voluntary Recall of Ab Strap

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Harbinger Fitness

(May 31, 2011, Napa, California) – Harbinger Fitness issued a voluntary recall of the company’s Ab Strap (Style #371100) after two reported injuries while using the product.

The majority of Ab Straps were sold via internet retailers from 2006 through 2010. In April 2011, Harbinger Fitness contacted retailers that sold the Ab Strap to alert them to the voluntary recall and free replacement program. Harbinger Fitness is offering all affected consumers a free upgrade and replacement with the Harbinger Fitness Deluxe Ab Strap (Style #371000) in exchange for the recalled Ab Strap.

“This is the first product recall in our 22 year history, and we are taking it very seriously as we must ensure that all Harbinger Fitness products offer peak performance and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Harbinger Fitness Founder and President Dave McCrane. “By undertaking this voluntary recall and free replacement program, we want to demonstrate our complete commitment to our customers, and maintain their trust and confidence in Harbinger Fitness as a company that stands behind our products.”

Fitness retailers with questions on the Voluntary Ab Strap Recall program may call Tim Smith, VP of Sales at Harbinger Fitness at (800) 729-5954 or email Tim directly at tsmith@harbingerfitness.com. Consumers that have not yet traded their Ab Strap (Style 371100) for a Deluxe Ab Strap (Style #371000) may call Harbinger Fitness Customer Service at (800) 729-5958 or email Harbinger Fitness customer service directly at custserv@harbingerfitness.com.

About Harbinger Fitness

Harbinger Fitness was founded in 1988 with a patented design for the most powerful wrist support system ever built into a glove. That design evolved into the WristWrap technology, now the foundation of many of Harbinger's top-selling fitness gloves. Today the company designs a full range of innovative, high-performance fitness products built to enhance training for all levels of fitness enthusiasts. Harbinger's products include fitness gloves and training gear such as belts, straps, wraps, balls, jump ropes, resistance cables, balance trainers and mats.

Posted At 9:33 AM • Comments (0)