Bridgestone Supports Schools with Contest to Fund Athletic and Wellness Initiatives

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone) is partnering with the National Football League (NFL) initiative NFL PLAY 60 to offer a $25,000 (USD) grant to help fund a new or existing, K-12 school-based athletic program or wellness initiative through its first-ever Fuel the Drive contest.* Nominations are open through October 12, 2015. Programs and initiatives at elementary, middle and high schools in the U.S. are eligible.

"Through Fuel the Drive, Bridgestone is excited to encourage communities and schools to rally together to give students the resources they need to find their passion for a healthy lifestyle," said Amber Holm, director of advertising, promotions and retail branding, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "We are excited to work with NFL PLAY 60 on this initiative. Their mission to reduce childhood obesity aligns with our ongoing efforts as the world's largest tire and rubber company to make a lasting impact in the communities where we operate." 

To enter the 2015 Fuel the Drive contest, consumers must submit a 250-word essay describing why their school's program has untapped potential, and explaining how contest prize money would be used to help provide opportunities for students to stay active and healthy. Examples of projects can range from gym or field renovations, new football team equipment, upgrading aging gyms or playgrounds, or even healthy eating and exercise programs. Participants must include photos with their entry to illustrate what the funds granted would be used to support.

A panel of judges will select the top 10 contest finalists, and the grand prize winner will be determined by public voting on www.FueltheDrive.com between November 12, 2015 and December 14, 2015. The grand prize includes a $25,000 grant to the nominated school to maintain, support, enhance or expand their submitted program. An NFL PLAY 60 in a Box kit also will be awarded to the grand prize winner. This kit includes a range of equipment to increase physical activity options for students. In addition, two runners-up will be awarded prizes, which include a $5,000 grant for each program, as well as a PLAY 60 in a Box kit for both designated schools. All 10 finalists will be awarded a set of sponsor-specified Bridgestone tires and an Xbox 360 console for the school's use.

Bridgestone, the world's largest tire and rubber manufacturer, is committed to being an outstanding corporate citizen. The Fuel the Drive contest is one way Bridgestone is making the communities where it operates better places to work, live and play.

To make a nomination or learn more about the Fuel the Drive contest, visit www.FueltheDrive.com.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.