School Specialty's Spark™ Program Provides Support to the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- School Specialty SPARK™, one of the nation's preeminent children's health promotion organizations is providing financial support and strategic input to the recently created Congressionally chartered National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. These contributions will support the Foundation in its initial planning and operational endeavors.

"The Foundation is excited about receiving these contributions from a national organization with over 20 years of experience providing evidence-based programs.  This early support demonstrates the confidence SPARK™ has in the Foundation as an important ally in promoting children's health, and sets an example for other organizations and the private sector to adopt," said Richard Killingsworth, Foundation Executive Director and COO.

The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition was created on December 22, 2010 when President Obama signed the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Establishment Act (Public Law 111-332).  The Foundation's primary mission is to collaborate with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and to facilitate private/public partnerships that stimulate investments in the Foundation's mission.

SPARK™ views these contributions as an important part of its strategy to align and support organizations with evidence-based resources for physical education and other wellness programs focused on improving children's health behavior and outcomes.

SPARK Executive Director Paul Rosengard added, "These contributions have already generated excitement within the industry.  We believe in the mission of the Foundation, and we are looking forward to collaborating with them on initiatives focused on promoting model physical education and wellness programs for America's youth."

About the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is a Congressionally chartered foundation that was created on December 22, 2010 when President Obama signed the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Establishment Act (Public Law 111-332). The Foundation supports the mission of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition by encouraging funding, resource contributions, and other investments that support the purposes of the Council in helping all Americans get active and eat healthier. For information about the Foundation visit www.thenationalfitnessfoundation.org

About SPARK

SPARK is a collection of research-based Physical Education, After School, Early Childhood, and Coordinated School Health programs for educators serving Pre-K through 12th grade students. Since 1989, SPARK has provided curriculum materials, teacher training, and consultation to over 100,000 teachers and youth leaders, representing many thousands of schools, organizations, and agencies worldwide. For more information on SPARK, visit www.sparkpe.org or email [email protected] or call 1-800-SPARK-PE.

About School Specialty

School Specialty (NASDAQ: SCHS) is a leading education company that provides innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to help educators engage and inspire students of all ages and abilities to learn. The company designs, develops, and provides PreK-12 educators with the latest and very best curriculum, supplemental learning resources, and school supplies. For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

For media inquiries related to the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, please contact Raushanna Salhi at Book Hill Partners (202-289-3636 or [email protected])

For media inquiries related to SPARK, please contact Billy Beltz (800-SPARK-PE x2247 or [email protected])

Contact: Billy Beltz
Marketing Director, SPARK™
[email protected]
800-SPARK-PE x2247

SOURCE SPARK