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Date: Wednesday, April 23, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: HHS Press Office(202) 690-6343
The announcement comes just four days before Philadelphia hosts the first-ever President's Summit on America's Future. The goal of the President's Summit, to be held from April 27-29, is to mobilize all Americans to improve the lives and opportunities of our young people. With today's announcement, NIKE responds to President Clinton's challenge to corporations to step up to the plate and help our country's at-risk youth, Secretary Shalala said.
"President Clinton has challenged every corporation, every community, every citizen to reach out to children too often left out in the cold. NIKE's initiative will help meet the President's challenge by linking college students with at-risk children who need their support and guidance."
According to the 1996 study Physical Activity and Health: A Report by the Surgeon General, only 25 percent of high school students are enrolled in daily physical education classes, and a full 60 percent of young people are not regularly active. In addition, girls are twice as likely to be inactive as boys. Girls living in poverty -- especially girls of color -- face even greater barriers, according to a report released in March 1997 by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
As Secretary Shalala said, "Together, we must help all children get off the sidelines and into the game."
Besides helping to build positive life experiences for children, P.L.A.Y. CORPS, modeled after President Clinton's Americorps initiative, helps college students get an education and give something back in return. P.L.A.Y. CORPS coaches receive $500 towards their college tuition at the conclusion of their seasons.
NIKE's P.L.A.Y. CORPS, launched as a pilot program in 1996, currently has 100 coaches in Portland, Atlanta, Memphis, New York, and Philadelphia. In the 1997-1998 school year, P.L.A.Y. CORPS will expand nationwide to include youth leagues in cities across the country. In 1998, P.L.A.Y. CORPS hopes to have over 1,000 student coaches mentoring youth across the country.
The "Girl Power!" - P.L.A.Y. CORPS partnership announced today will help to put into action the findings of a report by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports released in March 1997 by HHS and the "Girl Power!" campaign. The report, entitled Physical Activity and Sports in the Lives of Girls, demonstrates that the benefits of physical activity and sports for girls extend beyond health to improved academic achievement, self-confidence, and better mental health.
NIKE's P.L.A.Y. CORPS initiative aims to increase opportunities for sports participation for both boys and girls, and to provide coaching opportunities for both men and women.
As part of the "Girl Power!" initiative, HHS will work with NIKE to help improve the training of coaches who work with girls to help break down obstacles that keep girls from getting involved and staying involved in sports and physical activity.
Launched in November 1996, "Girl Power!" is a multi-phase, national public education campaign sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services. Studies show that girls tend to lose self-confidence and self worth during this pivotal age, becoming less physically active, performing less well in school, and neglecting their own interests and aspirations. It's during these years that girls become more vulnerable to negative outside influences and to mixed messages about risky behaviors. "Girl Power!" is combining strong "no use" messages about tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for girls to build skills and self-confidence in academics, arts, sports, and other endeavors.