Lobby Effort on March 4 Will Increase Sport & Fitness Participation in America
SAN DIEGO, CA – February 9, 2009 – The Active Network, Inc. (Active), a leading provider of application services technology and marketing solutions for community service and participatory sports organizations, today announced that will join over 100 leaders from organizations in the sports and fitness industries on Capitol Hill to speak with Congress about more support to “Get America Moving.” The event is Sporting Goods Manufacturer’s Association’s (SGMA) 10th National Health Through Fitness Day and takes place on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Active is the key sponsor of the Morning Briefing of National Health Through Fitness Day. Additionally, the company’s executives are among a delegation of association leaders, physical educators, well-known athletes, sporting goods and fitness manufacturers, sports retailers and concerned citizens visiting Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress to encourage passage of two legislative initiatives that will help Americans (of all ages) become more physically fit:
(1) a request for an additional $100,000,000.00 in funding under the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) , part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title V, Part D, Secs. 5501-5507; 20 U.S.C. 7261-7261f, which was established to provide grants to school districts and community-based organizations to support innovative physical education and activity methods; and
(2) the PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Act (H.R. 245), which encourages improved health through increased physical activity for all Americans by making it more affordable to play sports and engage in physical fitness and recreation activities through the use of tax incentives.
“The Active Network is passionate about encouraging and enabling participation in activities and events, and National Health Through Fitness Day embodies our mission perfectly,” said Jon Belmonte, COO of The Active Network. “We believe that obesity is one of the most important long-term challenges to the health of our nation. This epidemic increases medical costs and decreases wellness levels directly impacting company profits, productivity and the population’s general morale and motivation.”
“About 39 million days of work each year are lost due to obesity. By lowering obesity rates, we will reduce absenteeism in the workplace and improve productivity,” according to SGMA president Tom Cove. “Active.com, the leading online registration company in the industry, allows millions of people to register for activity-based programs. We are delighted to have Active as a partner for National Health Through Fitness Day.”
Over 25 companies are sponsoring including Accusplit, Polar, General Mills, Gatorade, Tennis Industry Association, National Sporting Goods Association, SGMA’s Legal Task Force, Franklin Sports, Nike, Reebok, Everlast, Under Armour, Russell Athletic, Easton Sports, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Prince, Mizuno, Disney, Century Martial Arts, NFL Players, Sportime, Pop Warner Football, HOPSports, Head Sports, Wilson, Cramer Products and The Active Network. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Bill Sells at 202 349 9417 or at bsells@sgma.com.
About SGMA
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA helps lead the sports and fitness industries by fostering participation through research, thought leadership, product promotion, and public policy. More information about SGMA membership, SGMA's Sports Research Partnership, and SGMA's National Health Through Fitness Day can be found at www.SGMA.com.
About The Active Network, Inc.
The Active Network delivers integrated technology solutions, marketing services and online media properties that encourage and enable participation in activities and events. For more information, please visit www.ActiveNetwork.com.
Media Contact
Tina Wilmott, The Active Network, Inc.
tina.wilmott@activenetwork.com or 858-964-3813