Sports Authority Calls on Kid Inventors Across the Nation for the 'Sports Authority Move It Challenge'

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Sports Authority, Inc. today announced the launch of the 'Sports Authority Move It Challenge,' a national invention competition designed to uncover exciting new youth-created sporting and backyard games. The national competition kicked off on October 1, 2010 and will run through January 3, 2011 at www.Moveitchallenge.com.  A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the winner, with four finalists each receiving $1,000.  All finalists will also have the opportunity to nominate the teacher or mentor who was most supportive to their creative process, and each dedicated professional will receive a $500 Sports Authority gift card. Entries will be accepted online or by mail using the official entry form.

In March 2011, 15 semifinalists will be narrowed down to five after presenting their ideas live before a special panel of judges at the Sports Authority headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. Next, the public will get their shot at weighing in on the entries through a fun round of online voting. In May 2011, the five finalists will be invited back to Denver to pitch their ideas to a panel of VIP judges, where the Grand Prize Winner will ultimately emerge. Participation in the Sports Authority Move It Challenge is free of charge, and there are no limits to the number of entries a student can make.  

"Kids are innately energetic and thrive physically and academically when engaged in physical activity. We are deeply committed to promoting healthy and active youth, and our hope for this challenge is that it will help kick-start young inventors' and athletes' innovative spirits, and give our youth a chance to dream up new and fun ways to get outdoors, get moving and have fun," said David Campisi, Sports Authority chief executive officer.

Sports Authority, Inc. has selected the By Kids For Kids Co., (BKFK), a youth marketing and educational media company, to manage the Move It Challenge on their behalf. To support this competition, BKFK has developed customized educational materials designed to inspire kids to create new games, sports training devices and fitness tracking devices, while learning the benefits of staying healthy and fit. These materials will be distributed into classrooms around the country and are available free for download to educators on the competition website: www.moveitchallenge.com.

"In this world, kids have already created some incredible action sports equipment.  The trampoline, for example, water skis and the 'hands on basketball,' were all invented by kids. By Kids For Kids Co. is proud to contribute our expertise in invention curriculum and competitions to Sports Authority and we look forward to honoring the next great youth inventor in the sporting arena!" said Norman Goldstein, BKFK founder and chief executive officer.

Social media enthusiasts will be able to follow the action on Twitter @SportsAuthority and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SportsAuthority

About The Sports Authority, Inc.

Headquartered in Englewood, CO, Sports Authority is one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers, offering a comprehensive and high-quality assortment of brand-name sporting apparel and equipment at competitive prices. Sports Authority is staffed with experts in all areas of sports and fitness related topics, and strives to be the ultimate "authority," both on and off the field. Whether in the game or cheering from the sidelines, Sports Authority is the leading destination for consumers to fulfill their own sports equipment needs, as well as find their favorite team's apparel. Sports Authority operates 462 stores in 45 states, and employs more than 15,000 people nationwide. It also operates stores in Japan under a licensing agreement with AEON Co., Ltd. The company's e-commerce website is www.sportsauthority.com, and is currently operated by GSI Commerce, Inc. under license and e-commerce agreements.  

About By Kids For Kids Co.

By Kids for Kids® (BKFK®) is a platform that empowers youth invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. BKFK promotes youth social innovation and partners with leading corporations to inspire product development, crucial technology skills, invention, and innovation in young people from 8 to 22. BKFK provides a unique platform for young people to develop, showcase, and commercialize their products, inventions and entrepreneurship. BKFK's "cycle of innovation" develops critical 21st Century skills in our nation's youth. The company provides educational resources- curriculum and challenges that promote social change, product development and entrepreneurial endeavors. Learn more: www.bkfk.com.

SOURCE Sports Authority, Inc.