FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Schools Nationwide Participate in Physical Education Contest During National Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1-7, 2009)

RESTON, VA, May 13, 2009 – Over 1,800 parents, teachers, superintendents, school board members, principals and other school staff actively participated in their school's physical education program as part of the Physical Education Fun for Everyone Contest during National Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1-7). Participation in a physical education class by any of the above individuals earned school points towards winning one of five Polar Starter Technology Packages, which include 12 heart rate monitors and other fitness assessment software and tools valued at $3,368 each. This year over 38,000 points were logged by schools nationwide. The contest is sponsored by Polar Inc. and managed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

Congratulations to the 2009 winners of the Physical Education Fun for Everyone Contest:

 
NASPE and Polar designed the Physical Education Fun for Everyone contest to generate awareness and encourage support from school administrators, staff, parents and the community for quality physical education programs. During May, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, NASPE urges parents and schools to help children explore a wide variety of physical activities to determine what they like and then encourage them to participate in those activities on a regular basis. NASPE recommends that schools and families incorporate at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity into each child's daily routine.

About Polar

Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Since then, Polar has been pioneering a revolution in training and leading the heart rate monitoring category with innovative products. With over 30 years of experience, Polar is the global leader in providing training technology and solutions for those who seek fitness and sports performance. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com/education

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Contact:
Juliet Prillaman
JPrillaman@aahperd.org
703-476-3485

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.