MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The popularity of video games is playing a role in the rise of sedentary lifestyles among America's youth. In an effort to curb this trend, Intelligent Sports, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IGTS) prepares to open health wellness fitness centers for kids.
"Everyone loves a good video game, however, too much time in front of the TV is preventing kids from developing a basic understanding of sports and the importance of physical activity. Once these habits of inactivity are established they are difficult to break later in life," said NFL Hall of Fame member and Intelligent Sports, Inc. board member, Kellen Winslow Sr.
According to the Center for Disease Control, walking and bicycling by children aged 5-15 dropped 40% between 1977 and 1995, and only 29% of students in grades 9-12 are enrolled in physical education classes, down from 42% in 1991.
Seeing these alarming trends, Intelligent Sports, Inc., (www.intelligentsports.net), began its effort to curb childhood obesity and inactivity through the development of some of the most popular tournaments and leagues in Southern California. This initiative will continue with the launch of a new health and wellness fitness center for kids.
"As parents become more concerned about sedentary behavior, we see ourselves in a position to serve an important and growing need," said Winslow. "Today, video games may be preferred over sports by many kids. As a parent, I feel it's important to show our kids that playing the real thing is a much more rewarding experience on many levels."
The initial focus of publicly held Intelligent Sports, Inc. is to introduce a new generation of youth to athletics through the development of organized youth sports programs and services throughout the country. With a board comprised of Reggie Theus, former NBA star, TV analyst, and Louisville University Men's Basketball Assistant Coach, and Kellen Winslow, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, Intelligent Sports will support a diverse range of sports programs that promote individual athletic skill development, the concepts of teamwork and discipline, and a love of the game.
Gabriel deGrood Bendt serves as agency-of-record and provides strategic and partnership development for Intelligent Sports. Gabriel deGrood Bendt is a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Minneapolis. GdB has been a finalist in the prestigious AAAA O'Toole award each of the past five years (having won or been 1st Runner-Up 4 of the 5 years). Current clients include: Freschetta, Zebco fishing, Antron(r) by INVISTA, Sempra Energy, Danze bathware, General Mills, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
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