Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

NSPF Announces Step Into Swim Video Contest Winner

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, October 31, 2012 — The National Swimming Pool Foundation® has awarded $3,000 to Matt Giovanisci, owner of SwimUniversity.com, for his Step Into Swim Campaign video. This winning video illustrates that teaching people to swim is an investment in the next generation. “The video, based on the White Paper published in May 2012, illustrates powerful statistics followed by a simple call to action to donate to the Step Into Swim Campaign, which funds learn-to-swim programs. Drowning and the obesity crisis are serious threats. “The video shows that swimming is a simple solution to prevent drowning and lowering the obesity rate,” explains Giovanisci.

When asked why Mr. Giovanisci took time away from his thriving business to create the Step Into Swim video, he responded, “The more people who are taught how to swim, the more people I can teach about pool and hot tub care. Years ago, my 2-year old cousin almost drowned on top of my family’s pool cover. Since then, I have made it a personal mission to promote pool safety. When I saw the opportunity to create a video for Step into Swim, I jumped at the chance to use my video skills to promote a cause I care deeply about.”

“With Matt’s creativity, and the strong message, more people will understand that swim lessons are a gift that solves several problems,” says Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D. and CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “If we all invest a little, we give a gift that lasts generations.”

Recently the Step Into Swim Campaign gave a total of $40,000 to four non-profit agencies, American Red Cross, JCC Association, U.S. Swim School Association, and 21st Century Swimming. These organizations will teach children and adults in communities they serve across the United States who will learn the lifelong, lifesaving, healthy activity of swimming. Leading companies including POOLCORP, AllChem, and ARCH Chemicals, and a large private donation from Anita Sayed, recently gave generously to the Step Into Swim Campaign. “It makes sense for the pool, spa and aquatics industry to invest in creating more swimmers since more swimmers is the one sure way to foster long-term industry growth,” summarizes Dr. Lachocki. In early October, the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors voted to increase its commitment to the 10-year campaign, and doubled the dollars it will match, from $25,000 to $50,000 for donations received in 2012.

Share the video, and donate today at www.StepIntoSwim.org/donate.asp or by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919, or by calling 719-540-9119. Industry members, family and colleagues are asked to also LIKE the Facebook page at https://www.Facebook.com/StepIntoSwimCampaign and share the link and the video with friends.

About NSPF®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated over $4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. In 2012, the Foundation launched Step Into Swim Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create 1 million more swimmers. Teaching people to swim is an investment in the next generation. The campaign raises funds that are directly given to leading learn-to-swim organizations. Visit www.nspf.org and www.StepIntoSwim.org to learn more and to donate.

Posted At 9:42 AM • Comments (0)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Step Into Swim Campaign Funds Four Leading Agencies

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, October 24, 2012 — The Step Into Swim^TM Campaign will direct $40,000 to four leading organizations who will help realize the Campaign’s goal to create one million more swimmers in the next ten years. The non-profit agencies, American Red Cross, JCC Association, U.S. Swim School Association, and 21st Century Swimming Lessons, will teach children and adults the lifelong, lifesaving, healthy activity of swimming.

“Thanks to the early generosity of industry leaders and private citizens, Step Into Swim is gaining traction. We are pleased to take our first step by taking most of the money that has been donated and giving that to these great organizations,” remarks Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation®. The Foundation has organized the Step Into Swim Campaign and has been matching donations, dollar-for-dollar. One hundred percent of every donation – plus the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s match – goes directly to the learn-to-swim agencies.

Creating more swimmers prevents drowning, improves people’s health by opening a spectrum of aquatic activities, and creates economic growth for the health and family focused pool, spa and aquatics industry. The compelling statistics reinforcing this position are explained in the White Paper published in May. “The Step Into Swim Campaign focuses on helping organizations create more swimmers where almost half of Americans fear deep water and almost three quarters reject the idea of owning a pool,” reinforces Dr. Lachocki.

Attendees of the October World Aquatic HealthTM Conference and the inaugural Step Into Swim Congress gave donations during the meetings; others offered commitments to give before year-end. Leading companies including POOLCORP, AllChem, and ARCH Chemicals, and a large private donation from Anita Sayed, recently gave generously to the Step Into Swim Campaign. The National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors voted to double the dollars it will match, from $25,000 to $50,000 for donations received in 2012.

“How often does a donation create a win for society and create economic growth for our field?” asks Dr. Lachocki. “As we approach year-end, we know many organizations and individuals are deciding where to give their tax-deductible donations. We hope industry members, large and small, will unite to step up and share their resources with Step Into Swim campaign to create more swimmers,” he concludes.

Donate what is reasonable today at www.StepIntoSwim.org/donate.asp or by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919, or by calling 719-540-9119. Industry members, family and colleagues are asked to also LIKE the Facebook page and share the link with friends.

About NSPF®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated over $4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. In 2012, the Foundation launched Step Into Swim Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create one million more swimmers. Teaching people to swim is an investment in the next generation. The campaign raises funds that are directly given to leading learn-to-swim organizations. Visit www.nspf.org and www.StepIntoSwim.org to learn more and to donate.

Posted At 9:28 AM • Comments (0)

Russell Brands Donates More Than $80,000 in Uniforms and Equipment to City of Orlando Youth Football

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Russell Brands

Orlando, FL (October 25, 2012) – Russell Brands, LLC, title sponsor of the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Fla., today announced a uniform and equipment donation to the City of Orlando Youth Football (COYF) valued at more than $80,000. The donation reinforces Russell’s commitment to be a partner to the Orlando community through the Bowl sponsorship and various other community outreach initiatives throughout 2012 and beyond. COYF, which serves young athletes in the Orlando community by teaching good sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork and self-discipline through the sport of football, was a natural choice as the recipient of this donation, as its key values align strongly with Russell’s “Together We R” messaging platform.

“Russell Athletic is excited to be a part of the Orlando community and the makeup of this great city,” said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. “To support an organization like the City of Orlando Youth Football, which provides young athletes with skills they will use throughout their lives, is an honor.”

Through the donation, the City of Orlando Youth Football will receive new Russell Athletic® uniforms – both jerseys and pants - for the 800 players in the league, as well as sideline apparel for coaches and a range of assorted accessories from wristbands to backpacks to Spalding® footballs for practice and game use.

“As a city youth sports league, we instill skills that will benefit our young athletes both on and off the field,” said Clifford Charlton, City of Orlando Youth Football representative. “The city is grateful for the overwhelming support of Russell Athletic and its generous donation.”

This charitable donation to the City of Orlando Youth Football is another step in the Russell Athletic “Together We R” messaging platform, which celebrates teams and the players who comprise them. Russell outfits athletes at all levels, from youth sports to the collegiate level and beyond.

“As a partner in the Russell Athletic Bowl and a member of the Orlando community, we are thrilled that Russell Athletic is making this kind of impact on the city,” said Steve Hogan, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Sports. “The City of Orlando Youth Football is an organization that helps kids all across our city and the donation from Russell Athletic will undoubtedly help its players compete at the highest level.”

Russell Athletic® is the official uniform of the Little League World Series, the Harlem Globetrotters and the Arena Football League, as well as the proud sponsor of the Russell Athletic® Bowl in Orlando, Fla., through 2015 - which takes place this year on Dec. 28, 2012 at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium at 5:30 p.m. ET. To learn more about the Russell Athletic Bowl, please visit www.RussellAthleticBowl.com. Follow the Russell Athletic Bowl on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter.

About Russell Brands
For more than 100 years, Russell Brands, LLC, has supplied America’s athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of apparel and team uniforms at the high school, college and professional levels. Russell’s collegiate licensed products and athletic wear are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores, retail chains and college bookstores. For more information, please visit www.RussellAthletic.com. Follow Russell Athletic on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter.

Posted At 9:21 AM • Comments (0)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

National Athletic Trainers' Association Announces Formation of National Action Plan for Sports Safety

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Athletic Trainers' Association

DALLAS, October 24, 2012 – In an effort to improve appropriate medical care for youth athletes, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association announced today the fourth annual Youth Sports Safety Summit in Washington, D.C. The February 5-6, 2013 event, which will launch the National Action Plan for Sports Safety, will build upon the success of the NATA-founded Youth Sports Safety Alliance and its prior summits. The Alliance, comprising nearly 80 organizations, is committed to keeping young athletes safe.

“This is an exciting and necessary next step to ensure NATA’s and the Alliance’s messages of sports safety are communicated at the national, state and local levels,” said NATA President Jim Thornton, MA, ATC, CES. “With a common goal of preventing catastrophic injury and illness, we look forward to working with members of the Alliance and many others who share our commitment to youth athletes. The National Action Plan is not just about football and concussion. Kids suffer catastrophic injuries and death from other sports and from other injuries.”

The National Action Plan is a new education initiative to improve sports safety, achieve appropriate medical care in secondary schools, understand the potential risks, and at the same time, bring to light the many benefits of playing sports. It will focus on steps that will be taken to provide safety measures including personnel, equipment, and prevention and management of sport-related injuries. Elements of the plan will include medical and emergency components of safe sports; how national, state and local groups can work together to educate policymakers; insights on legal and risk management issues; and official policies and statements on appropriate medical care for secondary school and young athletes.

Summit attendees will be from both national and state organizations, including: parent advocate groups; education and school administration organizations; health care and sports associations; state and federal policymakers; athletic/activity associations; and sports governing bodies. Those attending will participate in work groups to finalize the National Action Plan. The summit will culminate with visits to legislators on Capitol Hill.

“Our past three Youth Sports Safety Summits have grounded us in solid research, education and legislative calls to action,” added Thornton. “The Plan takes the combined efforts of NATA and Alliance members to the next level so that we can positively influence rule and policy changes at state and local levels and motivate the public, parents, health care professionals, media and lawmakers to improve sports safety nationally. NATA and a steering committee are developing the National Action Plan, at the request of Alliance members.”

Registration and agenda details will be announced soon. Interested organizations can contact NATA for more information at ellen@nata.org or judyp@nata.org.

About NATA
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 35,000 members of the athletic training profession.

About the Youth Sports Safety Alliance
Since 2010, the Youth Sports Safety Alliance has worked to raise awareness, advance legislation and improve medical care for young athletes across the country. High school athletes suffer 2 million injuries, 200,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations every year. The alliance is committed to reducing those numbers and improving the health and safety of our young athletes. The YSSA was spearheaded by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and now includes nearly 80 member organizations.

Posted At 11:32 AM • Comments (2)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Spalding and PremiumBag, LLC, Partner to Create Promotional Branded Bags

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Spalding

BOWLING GREEN, KY – SPALDING®, a division of Russell Brands, LLC, and PremiumBag, LLC, a company that provides cutting-edge, quality products in the premium and incentive industry, have announced a licensing partnership to produce duffel bags, sports bags, briefcases, backpacks, rolling bags, luggage and other promotional bags for the premium and corporate incentive category.

All promotional bags will feature the SPALDING® and True to the Game™ trademarks. The bags will be marketed as recognition, incentive and promotional gifts, as well as fundraising items. “By partnering with PremiumBag, LLC, we are able to offer Spalding products to a unique clientele,” said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. “The bags offer all types of organizations the opportunity to provide clients, customers, employees and others with quality products from a national brand they know and trust.”

“Spalding is a brand that consumers have a great affinity for,” noted Rich Schwartz, president of PremiumBag. “We are proud and honored to work with such an iconic brand and to be recognized for our expertise in designing and sourcing bags and luggage.” PremiumBag, LLC, will distribute these SPALDING® branded products throughout the premium and incentive marketplace, which includes both corporate accounts for recognition and incentive gifts, as well as at retail.

About PremiumBag LLC.
PREMIUMBAG is an award winning manufacturer of duffels, sports bags and specialty luggage products that are both functional as well as fashionable. Current licenses include Bob Mackie, Russell Athletic and Spalding. PremiumBag combines design with performance, functionality and durability to help enhance travel and everyday activities. For more information, please visit www.PremiumBag.com.

Posted At 11:32 AM • Comments (0)

Spalding® and Gaston NA Join Forces to Create Branded Wastepaper Basketball Baskets

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Spalding

BOWLING GREEN, KY – SPALDING®, a division of Russell Brands, LLC, and Gaston NA, Inc., have announced a licensing partnership to create SPALDING® branded wastepaper baskets. The Spalding trademark will appear on the wastepaper baskets, making these products truly part of the game.

Gaston NA, Inc., will launch the Wastepaper Basketball campaign with three separate models: the Street League, the Garbage Shot and the Crunch Time. The Street League has no backboard, whereas the Garbage Shot and Crunch Time are both equipped with an attachable backboard. An electric backboard edition will be ready for market by late 2012.

“Spalding is excited to join forces with Gaston NA to create such a fun product,” said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. “Whether you’re playing in an arena, in your driveway, or just around the house, Spalding makes products that bring the game of basketball to you.”

These new, unique sports novelty products will be available at local drug stores, sporting good stores and mass retailers across the country in the 4th quarter of 2012.

“To be aligned with an iconic brand like Spalding is an honor,” said Doug Jensen, director and vice president of marketing and distribution for Gaston NA, Inc. “All three Wastepaper Basketball models are fun for adults and kids alike.”

The wastepaper baskets will retail between $12.49 and $14.99, and will be available in both the US and Canada.

About Gaston NA, Inc.
Gaston NA is a product development, marketing, and distribution company. It is the company philosophy that all its products, whether designed internally or provided by an external relationship will be produced based upon the cornerstones of utility, design, ecology, and quality. GNA endeavors to deliver the finest products at the right price for the consumer. Gaston NA, through its partners, distributes to supermarkets, drugstores, mass merchants, and club stores. Gaston NA, Inc. is a California Corporation. For more information visit www.gastonna.com or call (855) 972-2638.

Posted At 11:32 AM • Comments (0)

SPALDING®, DUDLEY® Brands Partner with PIK Products on Baseball Deal Specialized Baseball Training Products

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Spalding

BOWLING GREEN, KY – Today Spalding®, a division of Russell Brands, LLC, and PIK Products, a company specializing in baseball training materials, announced a licensing deal for co-branded equipment. “PIK Products is proud to be partnering with Spalding and Dudley in an effort to create a full line of baseball and softball training and accessory items,” said Louis Seeley, President of PIK Products. “We’re looking forward to applying our brand of innovation to America’s first baseball company.”

The Spalding trademark will be used on baseball-related products including batting tees, nets, baseball and softball accessories, pitching machines, and baseball and softball training aids. “PIK is an established innovator in the baseball training market and we very much look forward to working with them,” said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. “We see this as an excellent opportunity to grow our presence in a popular and important sporting space.”

Spalding plans to distribute PIK Products through baseball specialty accounts, team dealers, sporting goods dealers, mass merchants and e-commerce through PIK and Spalding. The products will range anywhere from $9.95 for smaller accessories to $189.95 for pitching machines and be available in both the US and Canada beginning October 2012.

About PIK Products
Connecticut based PIK Products has been an innovator of baseball and softball training aids since 2001. PIK’s products are proven to improve a player’s ability at any age or level. The company started with the Swift Stik and has continued to develop training aids that are forerunners in its field, including both licensed and non-licensed products such as Hit-n-Stik, Power Trigger, EZ Tee, and Power Bandz. Products have been used for baseball and softball by most top collegiate programs and have garnered support from some of the game’s most elite coaches.

Posted At 11:32 AM • Comments (0)

NRPA and National Wildlife Federation Join Forces on Goal to Connect 10 Million More Kids to Nature

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Recreation and Park Association

ASHBURN, VA., Oct 16, 2012 – The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has joined with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in its unprecedented goal to get 10 million more kids to spend more time outdoors over the next three years. Working together, NRPA and NWF will combat the growing trend of “indoor childhood” and lack of “green time” among our nation’s youth. This partnership was announced at the NRPA Annual Congress and Exposition. Public park and recreation departments in communities across the country will play a major role in accomplishing this vital goal.

Research shows children are spending long hours indoors using electronic media yet they spend only mere minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play. This is affecting the health and well-being of children and is quickly causing a generation of kids who are becoming less healthy and who are disconnected from the natural world around them.

Parks and recreation are uniquely equipped with expertise, access, programs and resources to make a significant contribution toward reversing this disturbing trend and achieving the 10 Million Kids Outdoors goal. As the largest source of open space lands in the country, parks play a critical role in the quality of life for all Americans, but especially our nation’s children. Local park and recreation agencies serve an essential role in preserving natural resources, providing open space and cultivating a connection to nature and the outdoors that can last a lifetime.

“We know that when children spend time outdoors they are more active and their overall well-being improves,” says Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NRPA. “Our nation’s parks and recreation areas are not just a solution for better health, but are the answer to inspiring a healthier generation of youth who appreciate and care for our open space lands and who will engage in environmental stewardship that will benefit our future.”

“National Wildlife Federation is committed to working with park and recreation departments so that children can get the outdoor time they need,” says Larry Schweiger, NWF President and CEO. “There’s a reason they call it the Great Outdoors, and we’re going to make sure kids know why. This work is too important to lose another generation before we tackle the problem.”

The 10 Million Kids Outdoors goal encourages kids to get outdoors and explore, play, and learn for 90 minutes per week. This outdoor time excludes time spent outdoors in organized sports, which while beneficial, does not provide children the same benefits as outdoor play in green spaces. By increasing outdoor time to 90 minutes per week, NRPA and NWF believe it will contribute to a significant increase in children’s connection to nature due in part to more time spent outdoors.

NRPA is calling on all park and recreation professionals and agencies to pledge their support for the 10 Million Kids Outdoors goal by signing up online to participate in the effort. NRPA and NWF are also calling on other child-serving organizations and all parents to join in this effort by committing to getting their kids to spend more time each week in outdoor activities.

To help achieve the 10 Million Kids Outdoors goal NRPA, with the support of NWF, will bolster park and recreation departments’ capabilities to connect children to nature and help them increase awareness of the benefits of connecting children to nature through local parks by providing a suite of resources and materials specifically for parks and recreation to utilize in this effort.

For more information about the 10 Million Kids Outdoors goal, or to participate, visit www.nwf.org/10Million/nrpa.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring people to protect wildlife for our children’s future. NWF focuses its conservation, education, and policy work in three major areas: connecting children to nature for a nation of happier, healthier kids; seeking solutions to global warming; and protecting and restoring wildlife habitat.

Posted At 11:32 AM • Comments (0)

BTS Joins MDA's Augie's Quest and Commits to Raise $2 Million

Posted by AB Editors

Source: BTS

Atlanta, GA – October 16, 2012 – Body Training Systems®(BTS), a leading supplier of group exercise programs, is proud to announce its partnership with Augie’s Quest, which supports MDA’s aggressive fundraising and research efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for ALS. BTS will kickoff its efforts with a fundraising event at the BTS Summit in Atlanta GA, November 7-10, 2012. The event will be featured during BTS’ dance program, Group Groove®, and will be called Groove for Augie.

“We are grateful to Body Training Systems for joining us in the fight against ALS,” said Augie Nieto. “Their contributions will help us continue to fund research that will lead to treatments and a cure for this disease. We couldn’t do it without their support or the overwhelmingly generous support of the fitness industry.”

BTS will supply their club customers with fundraising marketing campaigns and resources so they can easily join the efforts of MDA’s Augie’s Quest. BTS customers have learned that creating events around BTS group exercise programs is a very powerful way to create excitement, awareness, and participation, which can now translate to an even greater good.

Rich Boggs, BTS CEO, added, “Our goal is to raise $2M by 2018 in honor of Augie, one of our industry’s true pioneers in his personal battle to find a cure for ALS. The way Augie has handled this disease speaks volumes about his heart and character and the BTS team is proud to be part of this great cause.

Industry leader John McCarthy commented, “Augie and Rich share not only decades of friendship, but also unparalleled histories of success in the health club industry. Both are born and bred entrepreneurs of the highest order. It is wonderful to see them united in the quest to conquer ALS.”

About Augie’s Quest
Fitness pioneer Augie Nieto started Augie's Quest in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS Division in March 2005. Augie’s Quest (www.augiesquest.org), MDA’s ALS research initiative, is an aggressive, cure-driven effort singularly focused on finding treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This devastating neuromuscular disease affects more than 30,000 Americans. Augie’s Quest raises money primarily through a variety of special events, including: BASH for Augie’s Quest; Tradition of Hope in Los Angeles; Big Canyon Golf in Newport Beach, CA; ClubCorp Charity Classic at golf clubs nationwide; and Clubs for the Quest, a program that allows various fitness clubs across the country to engage their members in fundraising programs and events to benefit ALS research.

Posted At 10:38 AM • Comments (0)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Life Fitness Unveils Customizable Cardio

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Life Fitness

SCHILLER PARK, Ill., October 10, 2012–Life Fitness, the global leader in commercial fitness equipment manufacturing, introduces the next generation of the Elevation™ Series Treadmills, Cross-Trainers and Lifecyle™ Exercise Bikes with new Discover™ Consoles that deliver the personalized technology today’s plugged-in exercisers demand. The new Discover SE and Discover SI Consoles are the first to sync with the Android operating system, in addition to Apple’s iOS platform, and feature an ultra-responsive touch screen with Swipe™ Technology for superior navigation.

Discover cardio products integrate with the company’s new LFconnect™ technology, a cloud-based solution that allows facility owners and managers to customize available content to exercisers and enables free asset management. LFconnect also gives exercisers the log-in capabilities, personalization options, and workout recommendations, plus tracking made popular by the original Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website. With LFconnect, exercisers will be able to access personal online content and navigate the web directly from the equipment as well as create their own workout programs and set content preferences.

“Our research shows more than 95 percent of exercisers desire access to online content on equipment,” said Dan Wille, vice president of global marketing and product development for Life Fitness. “This new line of Discover open platform products gives exercisers unprecedented access to not just online content like YouTube and Facebook, but the latest fitness applications and custom entertainment."

New Elevation Series open platform products include:
• Discover SE Treadmill (19” LCD touch-screen)
• Discover SE Cross-Trainers and Bikes (16” LCD touch-screen)
• Discover SI Treadmill, Cross-Trainers and Bikes (10” LCD touch-screen)

Key features include:
• LFopen™ platform products: open API (Application Programming Interface), making Life Fitness the first fitness equipment-maker to open its product platform and allow developer access.
• Apple and Android Compatibility: first exercise equipment to sync with the Android operating system and will continue to link with Apple devices, including the iPad. Exercisers will have access to their personal library of music, videos, apps and books. The equipment has charging capabilities.
• Surface Capacitive Touch Screen with Swipe Technology: functions much like other personal electronic devices such as tablets, with hyper-sensitive response, making it easier to navigate between high-definition screens
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi Compatibility: allowing for a reliable and consistent connection to online content that provides integration to asset management tools and remote software upgrades for facilities
• Interactive Lifescape™ Courses: six exclusive, high-definition hikes, runs and bikes through famous locations around the world with integrated machine controls that adjust video speed to that of the exerciser, and resistance to match the terrain. • On-Demand Content (Music Videos, TV Shows): access a wide selection of music videos and TV programming on equipment.

For more information on Life Fitness visit www.LifeFitness.com/Discoverproducts.

Posted At 2:18 PM • Comments (0)

ASTM Launches a New Initiative to Address the Environmental Impacts of Products

Posted by AB Editors

Source: ASTM

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., October 10, 2012-ASTM International announces its new initiative as a Program Operator for Product Category Rules (PCRs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which will provide the venue for developing PCRs and verifying EPDs.

As green and sustainability become more prevalent terms, and measurement systems and labels more common, the need is growing to understand the real environmental impact of products from raw material extraction to disposal and recycling.

"The ASTM International program will provide scientifically based, quantifiable information about product parameters such as resource consumption and ozone depletion, which will give both businesses and consumers an understanding of a product's real impact on the environment," says Timothy Brooke, vice president of certification, training and proficiency testing at ASTM International. Through ASTM's certification program, technical advisory committees will oversee the development process for PCRs.

PCRs will detail the rules and guidelines for developing environmental declarations for products that can fulfill equivalent functions. EPDs will be verified to ensure their adherence to the ISO 14040 standards as well as to ensure that life cycle assessment data accurately describes the environmental aspects of a product. ASTM International has developed its program in accordance with ISO 14025 - Environmental Labels and Declarations - Type III Environmental Declarations - Principles and Procedures.

Representatives of the roofing industry are already working with ASTM to develop PCRs. A member of ASTM's Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing, Philip Moser, P.E., a building envelope consultant at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Waltham, Mass., says, "Virtually every roofing product on the market now touts its green benefits, but it is often difficult for the specifier, contractor and building owner to evaluate the veracity and relevance of the marketing claims. Once consensus-based PCRs are developed for the North American roofing industry, environmental declarations can use a consistent format, and, more importantly, be based on a more consistent set of calculations and assumptions. The end result is a win-win-win for responsible manufacturers, for concerned professionals and consumers, and for the environment."

In ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability, a proposed standard practice will give guidance about information that all PCRs should contain regardless of the product. "For example, one life cycle assessment practitioner may assume that a product is sent to a landfill at the end of life while another may assume that a product is incinerated. Different environmental impacts result from these two different end-of-life scenarios. This standard will fill in many of the gaps that exist in current life cycle assessment standards," says Amy Costello, P.E., senior environmental scientist at Armstrong World Industries Inc., Lancaster, Pa., an E60 member and a current member of the ASTM board of directors.

Inquiries about developing new PCRs and verifying EPDs are welcome; please contact ASTM's Certification and Declarations Department at cert@astm.org or visit www.astm.org/EPDs for more information regarding the ASTM International program.

Beyond its leadership in the area of standards development, ASTM International offers technical training programs; proficiency testing and interlaboratory study programs; certification programs and the supplier's declaration of conformity program, which support manufacturers, users, researchers and laboratories worldwide.

ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.

Posted At 2:18 PM • Comments (6)

Special Olympics Unveils Online Courses for Coaches

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Special Olympics

(October 11, 2012, Washington, DC) – Special Olympics announced the launch of two breakthrough online education resources for its coaches, aimed at improving the quality and consistency of Special Olympics’ coaches training worldwide. Special Olympics has partnered with two leading sport coaching education providers: American Sport Education Program (ASEP) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to develop and deliver Special Olympics-customized online courses that meet entry-level and continuing education certification requirements for Special Olympics coaches.

As Special Olympics coaches are volunteers, the courses provide much-needed web-based alternatives to traditional in-person trainings and are a tremendous step forward in Special Olympics’ ongoing commitment to providing quality coaching for all athletes.

Annette Lynch, Sr. Manager, Sports Partnerships, Special Olympics North America: “These courses represent an important first for Special Olympics – by leveraging technology, the training delivery expertise of some of the best coaching and instructional minds in sports, we are able to bring quality training to our volunteer coaches in a way we’ve never been able to before,” Lynch added, “traditional training obstacles for volunteers such as geography, time, and money will be removed, allowing for more people to become the quality coaches our athletes deserve.”

Through the American Sport Education Program-offered Coaching Special Olympics Athletes online course, coaches will develop a better understanding of how people with intellectual disabilities learn and how they participate in sports. The course offers an overview of the coaching principles and successful techniques involved in working with Special Olympics athletes, as well as practical ideas that can be used during coaching.

The National Federation of State High School Associations-offered Coaching Special Olympics Unified Sports® course provides techniques and tools for coaches working with Special Olympics’ Unified Sports program, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (partners) train and compete together as a team. This course helps coaches understand and implement the most successful coaching strategies for this very special mix of teammates. The course features an introduction by former NFL quarterback, and Special Olympics supporter, Kurt Warner, and his wife, Brenda. NFHS is the official provider of interscholastic coach education.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Special Olympics and support their efforts to provide quality coaching education,” says Jim Schmutz, ASEP executive director. “24/7 online access to Coaching Special Olympics Athletes provides flexibility that will help reach more coaches with valuable information and practical tools. This athlete-centered course will help more Special Olympics coaches bring out the very best in each of their athletes. ASEP is proud to be part of the Special Olympics movement that enhances lives and transforms communities.”

“With the assistance of Special Olympics, the Arizona Interscholastic Association and Special Olympics Arizona, we are pleased to be able to offer this course,” said Tim Flannery, NFHS director of coach education. “Unified Sports is a program that promotes social inclusion and participation for all students, and this course will be of tremendous help to coaches who serve in these programs.”

Special Olympics focuses on delivering high-quality year-round competition opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in a variety of sports in an inclusive culture that stresses athletic excellence, rewards determination, emphasizes health and celebrates personal achievement.

More than 306,000 volunteer coaches currently support Special Olympics’ athletes globally. The organization has a strategic goal of increasing the number of certified coaches to 530,000 by 2015.

Special Olympics currently serves 4 million athletes in 170 countries, offers 32 Olympic-type summer and winter sports, and holds nearly 53,000 competitions annually - the equivalent of about 146 competitions a day! Therefore, the need for volunteer coaches is constant and growing.

Special Olympics is a global organization that reveals the champion in all of us through the transformative power and joy of sport, everyday around the world. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities tackling the injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity they face throughout the world. Learn more at www.specialolympics.org.

The American Sport Education Program (ASEP) is the leading provider of youth, high school, and elite-level coaching education programs in the United States. Rooted in the philosophy of "Athletes first, winning second," ASEP has educated more than one million coaches, officials, sport administrators, parents, and athletes. For more than 30 years, state high school associations, individual school districts, state departments of education, and local, state, and national youth sport organizations have partnered with ASEP to lead the way in making sport a safe, successful, and enjoyable experience for all involved. For more information on ASEP sport education courses and resources, call 800-747-5698, e-mail ASEP@hkusa.com, or visit www.ASEP.com .

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.6 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information about the NFHS, visit www.nfhs.org. Access and order NFHS Coach Education courses at www.nfhslearn.com.

Creative Street Media Group, the design team behind the NFHS course, is a nationally recognized, fully integrated multimedia production company with particular emphasis on developing media for the sports, education, health care, and pharmaceutical industries as well as programs for telecast. For 28 years, CSMG has served national Fortune 500 clients with core competencies in creative and content development, graphic design, video production, website and interactive media development, and online education programs.

Posted At 2:18 PM • Comments (0)

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Motionsoft and Athletic Business Announce Winner of iClubs Conference Trip

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Athletic Business Media

MADISON, Wis. (October 4, 2012) -- Athletic Business Media and fitness software leader Motionsoft have announced that Amanda Bender, owner of Bender’s Gyms in Alabama, a five-location independent operation, is the first winner of the “Win a Free Trip to iClubs Conference” contest. The winner was picked using a random-number software program. Bender will receive a two-night hotel stay, a $250 airfare credit and free registration to the iClubs Conference, held in conjunction with the Athletic Business Conference & Expo in New Orleans, Nov. 28-Dec. 1.

The three-day ideas exchange includes roundtables, seminars and networking events focused on strategies for new and veteran independent club operators. Among the dozens of featured speakers will be Peter Guber, Hollywood producer and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, and industry veteran Art Curtis of Curtis Club Associates, who has guided the growth of some of the industry’s largest independent organizations.

“Benders Gyms is a perfect example of the spirit of the iClubs Conference.” said Hossein Noshirvani, Motionsoft EVP. “They are a smart, successful and forward thinking independent operation who’ve embraced their individualism and the opportunity that comes with having your own vision. We are thrilled that they will be represented at this event.”

“Since 2006, my husband Tom and I have opened five Bender’s Gyms locations through hard work and passion, traveling a road that has been filled with challenges but incredible opportunities as well.” said Bender. “I’m excited to hear what other independents are doing and how they are succeeding, and see what we can learn from their experiences.”

Athletic Business Media and Motionsoft will be offering another chance to win a two-night stay at the Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel, $250 Southwest Airlines credit and free passes to attend the iClubs Exchange at Athletic Business Conference & Expo. Visit motionsoft.net/fillmygym and enter by Nov. 7 for your chance to win.

Posted At 9:14 AM • Comments (0)