INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 26, 2008- For the third straight year, USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods are proud partners of the Tyson Fitness Challenge, an eight-session fitness initiative with two goals: helping today’s kids get more physically fit and raising money through Children’s Miracle Network to help kids who are fighting illnesses. Since partnering in 2001, USA Gymnastics and its gym clubs across the country have raised more than $834,000 for Children’s Miracle Network through a variety of activities, and USA Gymnastics’ goal is to increase that total to $1 million by the end of 2008. During the first two years of the Tyson Fitness Challenge, more than 36,000 kids participated and raised $323,000 for Children’s Miracle Network in 2006-07.

" Fitness is an important part of everyone’s life and gymnastics builds the foundation for kids to participate in a variety of activities," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. " We are proud of our gym clubs for helping kids get in shape, as well as helping children in their communities by raising money for Children’s Miracle Network. We hope everyone will join with us in achieving our $1 million goal."

USA Gymnastics, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, first began raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network in 2001 as part of National Gymnastics Day. The Tyson Fitness Challenge became the platform to raise funds in 2006. Clubs have the flexibility to hold the Tyson Fitness Challenge at any time between March 1 and Sept. 13, which is National Gymnastics Day in 2008.

"Tyson Foods is proud to sponsor the Tyson Fitness Challenge and believe it is a great initiative. Tyson is committed to helping get the nation’s kids active and more physically fit and learning about the importance of a balanced diet. Protein found in Tyson chicken, beef and pork products contributes to a balanced diet and combined with physical fitness works to provide a healthy foundation for children’s lives," said Doug Brames, Director of Corporate Marketing for Tyson Foods. "Tyson Foods is delighted that our fitness program helps raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network an organization that is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children. We believe the two link very well together as both initiatives are committed to the improvement of children’s lives."

"We are grateful for our partnership with USA Gymnastics and the Tyson Fitness Challenge," said Brian Hazelgren, Chief Development Officer, Children’s Miracle Network. " One hundred percent of the funds raised through this event directly impact pediatric care, research and child advocacy programs at the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. The USA Gymnastics member clubs who participate in the Tyson Fitness Challenge are truly making miracles happen in their communities."

The Tyson Fitness Challenge is aimed at children 6-16 years old. The 2008 edition again includes a developmentally appropriate program for children ages 4-5 and will be available online. The 2008 Tyson Fitness Challenge has been refreshed by adding new content to the existing items favored by gym club owners. Some of the items that are new to the Tyson Fitness Challenge this year include:

  • an extra month for clubs to hold the Tyson Fitness Challenge
  • new, more fun cardiovascular games, and
  • updated and more challenging exercises for the upper body, core and lower body.

To raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network, participants and clubs obtain pledges for achieving a set number of elements in a specified time, whether it is fitness-related skills, cartwheels, flips, etc. The monies raised benefit the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in the participants’ and clubs’ local community.

For more information on the Tyson Fitness Challenge, visit TysonFitnessChallenge.com.

Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

Children’s Miracle Network- the alliance of premier hospitals for children- is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network visit www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.