Hershey's Track & Field Games Rallies Thousands In Pursuit of Guinness World Record
Olympic legend Carl Lewis shares how 100M of fun unites us in lifelong activity
HERSHEY, Pa., Oct. 26, 2012 /3BL Media/ - Hershey’s® Track & Field Games kicks off its 36th season in pursuit of a Guinness World Record for the most people to run (or walk) 100M in 24 hours. In response to National Geographic Kids’ challenge, Carl Lewis and Hershey’s Track & Field Games are calling on hundreds of local communities and thousands of Hershey employees throughout North America to join in 100M of fun.
It’s likely you know that Hershey has been making your favorite chocolate and confections for more than 100 years, but you may not realize that for a third of that time, Hershey has been committed to youth activity and achievement through Hershey’s Track & Field Games. It is the largest and longest-running youth activity program of its kind in North America. The Games are a great way for kids ages 9-14 to have fun with the basic skills of running, jumping and throwing to inspire a lifetime of activity.
Each year, thousands of volunteers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico organize local running, jumping and throwing events, culminating with representatives from each state, province and territory winning an all-expense paid trip to Hershey, Pa., for the North American Final.
“One thing I’ve learned through my Olympic career is running, jumping and throwing are fundamental skills that unite the world in lifelong activity and play. That is why I’m proud to work with Hershey’s Track & Field Games,” explains Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Hershey’s Track & Field Games ambassador.
By working together with partners Key Club International, the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and Athletics Canada, the Games are able to provide the best opportunities for children to promote an active lifestyle.
The Games are part of Hershey’s broader commitment to health and well-being, including programs, products, nutrition science and innovation, and employee wellness initiatives – all promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Registration to host a local 2013 event is open to organizations looking to offer fun physical activity programs for youth and families in their communities. The local event season runs from March to May each year. Hershey provides all of the materials and tools needed to organize a new event. Find out more at www.hersheystrackandfield.com.
About Hershey’s Track & Field Games
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Donald P. Cohen in Charleston, W.Va., Hershey’s Track & Field Games has grown from a local playground event in a single community to an international program encouraging children and family activity to help them lead healthier, balanced lives. More than 10 million children from the United States and Canada have participated in the Hershey’s Track & Field Games to date. Children interested in participating in Hershey’s Track & Field Games or adults interested in hosting a qualifying meet in their town can visit www.HersheysTrackandField.com. The Hershey Company provides North American funding for Hershey’s Track & Field Games. Additional partners are the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), Athletics Canada and Key Club. Hershey’s Track & Field Games is the largest youth activity program of its kind with thousands of children participating in the program annually.
