ISSUE 1417 MAY 5, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
ATHLETES HELPING ATHLETES Bettering the lives of special need kids
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PRESENTED BY
Group Publisher Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302
ISSUE 1417 MAY 5, 2014
Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan tryan@sportsonesource.com 917.375.4699 Contributing Editors Scott Boulbol, Fernando J. Delgado, Bill Kendy, Charlie Lunan
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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Editorial & Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com
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MAKING NEWS
FEATURE
4 By The Numbers Columbia Sportswear Acquires Prana 5 Under Armour Lands In Manhattan 6 Muck Boot Partners With Beekman Boys 7 Movers & Shakers 18 Calendar
14 National Physical Activity Plan Alliance Report 1-in-4 U.S. Kids Gets Enough Exercise 16 Physical Activity Council Study Shows Inactivity Rates Flatten
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8 Farm To Feet
GIVING BACK 10 Athletes Helping Athletes Bettering The Lives of Special Needs Athletes
ON THE COVER: Teamwork and community take on new meaning thanks to Founder and President Rick Leonetti, Sr. and his non-profit organization Athletes Helping Athletes. Photo courtesy AHA.
MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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Photo courtesy pRana
BY THE NUMBERS
-2.8%
Wolverine Worldwide reported revenue in the first quarter, as expected, declined modestly to $627.6 million, a decrease of 2.8 percent versus the prior year. Gains were tempered by continued soft traffic at retail in the U.S., the strategic realignment of Sperry Top-Sider's U.S. distribution, extreme weather conditions in the U.S. and the U.K., and the impact of the shift in timing of Easter business to the second quarter. Both Merrell and Saucony delivered mid-single-digit revenue growth while Keds expanded at a double-digit rate.
"... we now will be able to reach a much broader audience of socially conscious consumers worldwide." - Scott Kerslake,
-6.1%
prAna’s chief executive officer
Big 5 Sporting Goods' sales fell 6.1 percent to $231.3 million in the first quarter. Sales of firearms and ammunition slumped 45 percent while sales of winter-related categories were off 25 percent as a result of unfavorable winter weather conditions.
+22.0%
Columbia Sportswear Company raised its 2014 outlook after first quarter sales rose 22 percent to $424.1 million amid surging wholesale demand and a strong launch of its Chinese joint venture. Sales rose 25 percent for the Columbia brand, 4 percent at Sorel, and 1 percent at Mountain Hardwear.
+38.0%
Garmin, Ltd. reported Fitness segment revenue jumped 38 percent, to $100.3 million as consumers snatched up its newest Forerunner smart watches and the Vivofit, the company's entry into the rapidly growing fitness band market.
-78.0%
Crocs, Inc. reported earnings tumbled 78.0 percent in the first quarter, to $6.4 million, or 6 cents a share. Revenues inched up 0.2 percent to $312.4 million. In the Americas region, revenues declined 9.5 percent. Japan revenues dropped 4.3 percent while Europe gained 4.5 percent and Asia Pacific climbed 12.5 percent.
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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR ACQUIRES PRANA Columbia Sportswear Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire all controlling interests of the yoga-inspired prAna apparel brand, which is expected to break $100 million in sales this year. Columba said it has agreed to acquire the stake in prAna Living, LLC from majority owner Steelpoint Capital Partners and all other minority members for $190 million in cash, which is subject to customary working capital adjustments. PrAna will join Columbia’s portfolio of outdoor brands, which include Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel and Montrail and propel Columbia into the white hot yoga/activewear apparel market. “We are very excited to welcome prAna to Columbia’s brand portfolio,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia’s president and CEO. “PrAna is a rapidly growing lifestyle apparel brand positioned at the intersection of today’s healthy, active lifestyles and socially conscious consumerism. A growing number of women and men are embracing prAna’s versatile products that are designed and manufactured with sustainability as a core value. PrAna fits Columbia’s strategic priorities to expand into categories that appeal to complementary consumer segments, reduce our dependence on cold-weather products, and leverage Columbia’s global operational platforms to expand across key geographic markets." PrAna will remain headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, with prAna CEO Scott Kerslake continuing to lead the brand. PrAna sales grew at a compound annual growth rate of more than 30 percent between 2010 and 2013, and are on pace to surpass $100 million in 2014 and generate low double-digit operating margin. “We are thrilled at the prospect of joining Columbia’s portfolio of distinct outdoors brands,” said prAna’s chief executive officer, Scott Kerslake. “PrAna is a brand founded on designing stylish, functional, active apparel made in an environmentally sustainable way. With Columbia’s financial strength, operational expertise, and global market platform, we now will be able to reach a much broader audience of socially conscious consumers worldwide.” "We look forward to completing the transaction and teaming with them to unlock prAna’s global brand potential,” Boyle said.
UNDER ARMOUR LANDS IN MANHATTAN Under Armour opened the doors of its newest specialty retail location at 583 Broadway in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City, becoming its largest retail store to date and its first in Manhattan. The Under Armour Brand House features nearly 10,000 square feet of interactive retail space that creates a fully immersive brand experience. Through the use of innovative technology, the SoHo Brand House will tell the brand story through digital displays that act as points of information, as well as inspiration. The store boasts a massive marquee video wall made up of over two million LED lights as well as an athlete wall of fame that features some of the Under Armour’s most authentic and powerful ambassadors. The SoHo Brand House will also be the first retail location to shop Under Armour's new men's elevated lifestyle collection, 35th & O. Localized New York products will be offered exclusively at the SoHo Brand House, including many tied to the local sports teams and New York City in general. The store is currently showcasing Under Armours’ innovations, including the UA SpeedForm Apollo running shoe, the Armour39 performance monitoring system and its new ArmourVent mesh technology. On its first quarter conference call, Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s CEO and president, noted that in opening its first Brand House in Baltimore in February 2013, one goal was being able to show a deeper presentation of footwear and women to help its wholesale partners gain a “better understanding of the opportunity” in those categories. While the SpeedForm Apollo has been a hit, Under Armour will focus on the women’s opportunity this year, with its first ‘brand holiday,’ or marketing blitz, being set exclusively for women later this summer. He said beyond the “great breadth,” SoHo Brand House is designed to be “the inspiration that we are hoping to bring all of our partners at every channel of distribution that Under Armour be presented in this way. Beyond just being authentic and things really for that athletic female, I think you're going to see a beautiful presentation of Under Armour women's products. We are really proud of and backing that up with some great storytelling coming later this year of driving home Under Armour to be successful in the women's space.” Beyond highly-trained product category experts, the SoHo Brand House will be the first store to feature Under Armour's Rowhouse Basement shop, where staff will provide private consultations to athletes, celebrities, and VIP clientele in an intimate setting. Under Armour also held a star-studded opening night last week for local media as well as local retail and other partners. The guest list included Emmy Rossum, star of the Showtime series Shameless; American Olympic bobsledder Steve Holcomb; the New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson, the New York Giants’ Jason Pierre Paul; and American Olympic soccer gold medalist Kelley O'Hara. "We are excited to open our first Brand House in New York City, one of the world's most dynamic retail centers," said Susie McCabe, senior vice president of global retail. "The Under Armour SoHo Brand House is our largest to date and provides us with a new opportunity to expand our mission to make all athletes better while empowering our consumers with an elevated and personalized shopping experience." In the U.S., Under Armour also operates Brand House locations in the brand's hometown in Baltimore, MD and Tysons Corner in McLean, VA.
Photos courtesy Under Armour
Emmy Rossum with Speedform Apollo Shoe Jason Pierre Paul and Muhammad Wilkerson Kelley O'Hara
Steve Holcomb with Under Armour President & CEO Kevin PLank
MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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MUCK BOOT PARTNERS WITH THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS The Original Muck Boot Company announced its first fashion collaboration with Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, stars of “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” and winners of “The Amazing Race.” Inspired by the growing farm-to-table movement, Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge transplanted themselves from New York City to a farm in upstate New York and creating the Beekman 1802 lifestyle brand. Once described by the New York Times as the “gay Green Acres,” their hit reality series on the Cooking Network, “The Fabulous Beekman Boys,” chronicles the couple's trials and tribulations as novice farmers. A limited run of 200 pairs in the initial collaboration, the MUCK B 1802, sold out instantly with a waiting list of over 200 quickly developing for the next collection. In an interview at a MUCK B 1802 launch party held last week at The Green Table in Chelsea Market in Manhattan, Ridge said the couple has been wearing Muck for about 7 years since they became farmers. Said Ridge, “I think there’s no other more functional, outdoors boot than Muck.” But given the couple’s city background, the two were enthused to take on the collaboration because they had been looking for a slightly slimmer profile and less heavy boot to handle social occasions as well. “The boot has become our signature fashion statement,” said Ridge. “So if we’re going to a black-tie event, we’ll wear the boots with our tuxedos. Or if we’re wearing shorts, we’ll wear them. So we wanted a boot really for that person who lives in the city and if it’s a rainy day, they can wear it all day and then do whatever they want socially afterwards.” The Muck B 1802 boots feature black with red trim and black with grey trim. Carrying a suggested retail price of $170, the boot takes a couple layers of the bottom rubber to create a slimmer profile with the shaft slightly narrowed for a fitted look, according to Ridge. Elastic around the top prevents water from sneaking into the boot. A lightweight EVA outsole with rubber pods provides traction and support with comfort and flexibility. The 100 percent waterproof boot also features Muck’s XpressCool liner, which keeps feet cool in warm weather. Said Kilmer-Purcell, “The thing I hate about fashion rubber boots is the minute you put them on, you get sweaty.” Sean O’Brien, global director of footwear for Muck, said the collaboration plays into Muck’s strong heritage in the farming community. It also capitalizes on a number of favorable trends around farming, such as farm to table, sustainable farming, co-op farming, as well as small-scale hobby farming. 6 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge
“Brent and Josh have built a brand considered by Epicurious to be ‘the next Martha Stewart’ and one that exemplifies the growing trend that is modern farming,” said O’Brien. “This growing movement requires durable, comfortable farm footwear, and with this collaboration The Beekman Boys have helped us deliver a practical product with a fashionable twist.” The collaboration is timed as the winner of Beekman 1802’s first annual Mortgage "Lift" award. Over ninety small family farms have entered to win the “Mortgage Lifter” award, a $10,000 grant to be bestowed on a deserving family farm that demonstrates innovative business practices, helping restore small farms as the economic backbone of America. Muck will also help outfit the entire staff of the winner. The award is named after the "The Mortgage Lifter,” the Beekman Boys signature pasta sauce they developed after winning Season 21 of CBS’ The Amazing Race. With the $1 million prize from the show, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell were able to pay off their own mortgage. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the sauce pay off other small farmers' mortgages. The next boot collaboration will be expanded, including an ankle-height and mid-height option. It will also reach retail stores. Beyond the couple’s popularity, O’Brien expects the city-sensibility of the collaboration will help introduce Muck to a more mainstream, fashion forward crowd. “We think it will give some heat and credibility to our brand that we’re not just for the farmer, or hunter or the rural crowd. We’re also for people who live in the cities and suburbs.” Ridge agreed, “We always say our brand is for city people who dream of the country and country people who dream of the city. So that’s why it’s such as great collaboration.”
NEWS
NEWS
MOVERS & SHAKERS
WHEN YOU’RE HUNTING FOR YOUR NEXT JOB, THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
37.5/Cocona Natural Technologies appointed apparel veteran Scott Branscum as EVP to lead global sales, marketing, and merchandising efforts. Goal Zero, which makes solar powered battery rechargers, named Lee Fromson, REI's former senior vice president of merchandising, as its president and COO. Joel Freet, previously the head of the corporate business for Cutter & Buck, was promoted to CEO. He replaces Jens Petersson, who has transitioned into a role in group executive management at parent company, New Wave Group. J. America, the licensed fan apparel company, appointed Ben Turner as president of the Team Licensed Group (TLG). Prior to J. America, Turner held senior executive positions at Colosseum Athletic, Reebok, and Adidas. Keen Ambassador and Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp was awarded the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) 2014 Communications award. Mapp received the award for her dedication to environmental education and passion for connecting African-Americans with nature. Lost Surfboards named surf industry veteran Dave Lester as its first general manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Mueller Sports Medicine signed a three-year agreement with tennis star Rafael Nadal to endorse Mueller ProStrips abrasion control products.
REACHING THE MOST CONNECTED, BEST INFORMED, AND HIGHEST CALIBER PROFESSIONALS IN THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE MARKET FREE ACCESS TO THE LATEST JOB LISTINGS
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Osprey Packs announced that outdoor industry veteran Kenny Ballard has joined the company in the newly created role of COO. Ballard will head up Osprey Packs operations, IT, purchasing, quality and returns as well as human resources. SnowSports Industries America (SIA) presented the Snow Sports Recognition Award to Bill Marolt, who is well known throughout the industry for his contributions to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
you to your ideal job. MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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Photos courtesy Nester Hosiery & Farm To Feet
MADE IN THE USA
FARM TO FEET
M
ount Airy, NC-based designer and maker of high-end socks, Nester Hosiery, is experiencing significant growth with its “Farm to Feet” merino wool sock collection now available at outdoor specialty shops such as Cabela’s and Good Life Outfitter. Priced between $15 to $28 per pair, the recipe for "Farm to Feet" is committed to one simple goal – 100 percent Made In The USA. Aimed at a variety of consumers including hikers, adventure sport enthusiasts, hunters and fisherman, the recipe is simple:
1. Made from 100 percent Merino Wool sourced from U.S. ranches throughout the country that can be worn year-round to offer superior moisture management and soft-to-the-skin comfort.
3. 100 percent of the people
2. Socks are not only knitted in the U.S. but every fiber in "Farm To Feet" yarns and materials in "Farm To Feet" packaging are manufactured in the U.S.
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who make it happen are U.S. workers - from the sheep rancher in Wyoming to the hosiery technician in North Carolina. These are the men and women who tell the "Farm To Feet" story manufacturing with pride in the USA. ■
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OIAVantagePoint.com • oiavantagepoint@sportsonesource.com • 303.997.7302 MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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G I V I N G B AC K
Jake Klouser, 15, (center) smiles during the annual Athletes Helping Athletes Holiday Tournament game at Council Rock North High School on December 28. Photos courtesy Athletes Helping Athletes
ATHLETES HELPING ATHLETES Teamwork and community take on a new meaning with Athletes Helping Athletes, a non-profit organization that connects special needs athletes with peer volunteers through shared athletic experiences. By Fernando J. Delgado
In Pennsylvania, young athletes are sharing their love of sports with those less fortunate. Rick Leonetti, Sr., founder and president of Athletes Helping Athletes, Inc., has been influenced by his own experiences with high school sports and giving back the community in a life-affirming way. The results of his efforts are truly inspiring. One of the most uplifting stories that reflect the spirit of Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) is that of Kevin Grow, an 18-year old high school senior with Down Syndrome. Grow, who has been involved with AHA for more than 10 years, had been the team manager for the Bensalem High School boy’s basketball team for four years. On the school’s Senior Night this past February, Grow was given a chance to play, and he responded by hitting four 3-pointers and scoring a team-high 14 points. His performance electrified the crowd and brought the entire 10 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
Bensalem High School community together, and his story was picked up nationally by ESPN. Following his big game, Grow was signed to a 2-day NBA contract by the Philadelphia 76ers and given a chance to play with the Harlem
“The mission is to connect special needs athletes with typical high school, and sometimes college, student-athletes." - Rick Leonetti, Sr. Globetrotters. It is such a sense of inclusion, community and giving that defines Athletes Helping Athletes in helping special needs individuals in the Philadelphia area.
The aim of Athletes Helping Athletes is to better the lives of special needs athletes by connecting them with mainstream student-athletes in a spirit of friendship for their mutual benefit and inspiration. Started in 2002, AHA has fostered awareness and community support for special needs athletes through inclusion in local school athletic functions. Frequently, the organization helps make special needs athlete’s part of the team when they serve as Honorary Team Captains at home games of participating schools. In addition to offering extra-curricular events and activities centered on shared athletic experiences, AHA also provides funding to special needs organizations that offer opportunities to special needs athletes by encouraging their desire to participate in sports. “The mission is to connect special needs athletes with typical high school, and sometimes
Rick Leonetti, Sr., founder and president of Athletes Helping Athletes, Inc., with Kevin Grow, an 18-year old high school senior with Down Syndrome who electrified the Bensalem High School boy's basketball team this past February when he hit four 3-pointers and scored a team-high 14 points. The story was picked up by ESPN and Grow was signed to a two-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and a chance to play with the Harlem Globetrotters all due to his involvement with AHA for more than 10 years.
college, student-athletes,” said Leonetti. “We have special needs kids serve as honorary team captains at home football games, soccer games, baseball, softball, volleyball, some lacrosse, some field hockey, some tennis - pretty much all the sports that are involved with a school. Football is our most dramatic presentation because they actually hold hands with the captains of the football team and they walk out for the coin toss at midfield. The referees often know the kids, and the referees will frequently let the kids toss the coin, and sometimes even call it for the home team. When the kids hear their names announced, they turn to the crowd, and they love the acknowledgement. Their parents get to sit in the stands and they appreciate that their child is included. And that’s a key word – included. Inclusion is something that everyday kids can take for granted. It’s been an amazing thing to witness.” MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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Athletes Helping Athletes supports several special needs programs, many based in the Bucks County, PA area. Among them is the Special Olympics of Bucks County; TOPSPORTS, a program that provides athletic and social activities for special needs children and their families; and Camp PALS, an organization that pairs young adults with Down Syndrome one-to-one with volunteer counselors and that helps campers spend a week on teams. AHA also works with sport-specific groups such as the Bucks County Admirals, a special needs ice hockey organization; the Miracle League of Northampton, a baseball-softball league for special needs children; as well as multiple therapeutic riding programs. A key part of Athletes Helping Athletes is its Honorary Captains Program. As an Honorary Captain, each special needs child is introduced to the crowd before the start of a game and participates in a coin toss or pregame activities. The bonds that are formed between the special needs children and their peer athletes are heart-warming, as the Honorary Team Captains truly feel a part of the team, and athletes experience an often life-changing, new perspective after witnessing the sheer happiness of special needs children becoming involved with a team and the greater school community. Leonetti shared that the idea for Athletes Helping Athletes was born out of his experiences at his high school alma mater in Philadelphia, PA. Students at Cardinal Dougherty were ethnically diverse, and many of Leonetti’s classmates came from economically challenging backgrounds. His experiences in high school contrasted quite drastically from that of his three sons many years later during their own high school days. Oftentimes, his sons would come home with gifts - gear, apparel, travel bags, and other items - from booster clubs at their suburban high schools, something that never would have happened during Leonetti’s time at Cardinal Dougherty. “Our kids never asked for those gifts, but it always brought me back to those Cardinal Dougherty kids who didn’t get anything,” he recalled. Eventually, Leonetti was asked to become president of the new booster club at his youngest son’s high school. With his own high school experience in mind, Leonetti decided to lead the booster club with a different approach one rooted in spirit of giving. “I wanted to change some things,” Leonetti continued. “Our banquets were no longer going to be at the country club. Our kids were not 12 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
"The bonds that are formed between the special needs children and their peer athletes are heart-warming, as the Honorary Team Captains truly feel a part of the team, and athletes experience an often life-changing, new perspective after witnessing the sheer happiness of special needs children becoming involved with a team and the greater school community." - Rick Leonetti, Sr. to receive gifts anymore. But what we wanted to do instead was raise some money for a charity. Someone brought up Special Olympics of Bucks County. We voted, and that’s what we went with. But instead of just raising money and giving it to the charity, we thought we should get involved.” With that initial booster club, the seeds of Athletes Helping Athletes had been planted. A group of 8-to-10 special needs children attended school football camp over the summer, with the boys acting as managers and girls spending time with the cheerleaders at their respective camp. Seeing the impact of the program, the school’s boy’s basketball coach asked to get involved, and then the girl’s basketball coach followed suit. Over the course of a few years, the program grew and saw success. Athletes Helping Athletes incorporated in 2008, allowing the program to spread to other high schools. AHA now has 27 high schools involved, with several more interested in becoming involved next year. Leonetti hopes that the charitable effort continues to expand. “It’s imperative that we grow outside of Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia,” he stated. “I would love to see it in every high school in the country, I really would.” The benefits of AHA go beyond individual game day experiences. Leonetti has seen school communities grow stronger through awareness, as well as become more sensitive to the perils of bullying. “When we go into those school buildings, those special needs kids are high-fived by the football players, the basketball players, the soccer players,” he observed. “So all those students who are nonathletes see this and they say, ‘Wow, if the cool kids are accepting them, we should, too.’ So bullying has been cut down in a lot of the schools that we’re in. I’ve heard from a lot of athletic directors, coaches, and teachers that it makes a word of difference.” In addition to Honorary Captains Program, Athletes Helping Athletes also hosts a Football Fun Night, Basketball Fun Night, and Baseball Fun Day. According to Leonetti, AHA gets as many local high school teams that are willing to travel to bring players and cheerleaders. The volunteers act as buddies for the special needs children, while also manning activity stations. “These teenagers
"AHA now has 27 high schools involved, with several more interested in becoming involved next year... “It’s imperative that we grow outside of Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia. I would love to see it in every high school in the country, I really would.” - Rick Leonetti, Sr.
want to give up their Friday nights to spend time with these very special kids,’’ said Leonetti. “It’s just incredible.” This upcoming fall will also feature the Annual AHA Benefit Golf Outing, which will include 100 to 140 golfers. A typical Golf Outing will raise between $18,000 and $25,000, which goes directly to AHA’s designated Special Needs Programs. As with any charitable organization, AHA is dependent on sponsors and donations. Tax-deductible donations can be made via check and through PayPal. PayPal donations can be made directly through the Athletes Helping Athletes website ataha-inc.com. AHA’s Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/AHAInc.
At the end of the day, special needs athletes aren’t the only ones benefitting from the charitable effort. Volunteers find that their lives have been enriched as a result of participating in Athletes Helping Athletes. “Kids write their college essays based on how this experience has changed their lives,” shared Leonetti. “A coach who gets their kids involved in Athletes Helping Athletes, or really any other type of charitable project for the community or for someone less fortunate, is a better coach. Because they’re teaching their kids about life.” ■
MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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JUST
1-IN-4
KIDS IN THE U.S. GETS ENOUGH EXERCISE By Thomas J. Ryan
Sadly but not so surprisingly, American kids are falling far short of fitness goals, according to a report released last week by the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) Alliance. NPAP, in collaboration with its organizational partner, the American College of Sports Medicine, released the first-ever United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The report was delivered at a briefing of the Congressional Fitness Caucus. On the core reading of overall physical activity, the survey found that roughly one quarter of U.S. kids age 6 to15 meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. On the positive side, the study found that 88 percent of 6 to11 year olds engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. But that figure quickly dropped to 33.3 percent for 12 to 15 year olds and down to 25.5 percent for 16 to 19 year olds. Beyond age groups, males and non-white ethnicities were found to be more active than their female and white ethnicity counterparts. Data from multiple nationally representative surveys were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of physical activity for children and youth. The report card grades were assigned by the Report Card Research Advisory Committee using the most recent data available with consideration of published scientific literature and reports. Other findings include: 14 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
»»
»» »»
Only half of American children and youth age 6 to 11 meet the guidelines for less than two hours of television viewing and screen time per day. Significant ethnic disparities exist in screen time. African American youth are much less likely to meet screen time guidelines than white or Hispanic youth; Since 1969, the proportion of elementary and middle school students walking or biking to school fell 35 percent, from 47.7 percent to 12.7 percent; Approximately half of American high school students report attending a PE class during an average school week. PE participation in high school is highest in 9th grade, decreases in 10th and 11th grade, and is lowest in the 12th grade. Males are also more likely to regularly attend PE classes than females.
Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, chairman of the 2014 Report Card Research Advisory Committee said the goal of the report card is to assess levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors in American children, facilitators and barriers for physical activity, and related health outcomes. It detailed how preventive physical activity can be in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. “We hope the report card will galvanize researchers, health professionals, community members, and policy makers in the U.S. to improve our children's physical activity opportunities, which will improve health, prevent disease and disability, and enhance quality of life," Katzmarzyk said.
Overall, the report identified 10 key indicators and evaluated and graded them as part of the report card as follows: 1. Overall Physical Activity: 2. Sedentary Behaviors:
3. Active Transportation:
D F
D-
4. Organized Sports Participation:
C-
Incomplete 6. Health-Related Fitness: Incomplete 7. Family and Peers: Incomplete 8. School: C9. Community and the Built Environment: B10. Government strategies and investments: Incomplete 5. Active Play:
The comparatively encouraging “C-“ grade for ‘Organized Sports Participation’ was because the study found that more than half of U.S. youth participated on at least one organized sports team. The prevalence of sports participation among females is significantly lower than that among males, and organized sport participation also differed across ethnic groups. Organized sport participation was found to be generally higher in younger children and decreases as they become older. On the positive side, youth sports participants, on average, obtained 45 minutes of moderateto-vigorous physical activity during practices. But research suggests not all sports contribute equally to providing physical activity. Youth seemed to spend more time engaged in physical activity, especially vigorous activity, when playing soccer rather than other sports, such as baseball, softball, and hockey. Soccer players were found to spend approximately 14 more minutes
in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and 17 more minutes engaged in vigorous physical activity during practice than baseball and softball players. Additionally, many participants spend only about half of practice time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with 27 to 43 percent of the practice spent in more sedentary pursuits and light activity, such as waiting a turn to practice or receiving instructions from the coach. The top-grade went to ‘Community and the Built Environment’ with a ‘B-.‘ The study found that a large majority of American children and youth live in neighborhoods with at least one park or playground area although significant disparities were found to exist by ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The panel decided it didn’t have enough information to assess how well the federal government, families, and peers support physical activity, or the proportion of children who participate in daily, unstructured active play. At the congressional briefing, Russ Pate, Ph.D., chairman of the NPAP Alliance, revealed the inaugural Report Card results while Katzmarzyk explained the research methodology of the 10 indicators evaluated. Fitness Caucus Co-chairs – Reps. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) – kicked off the briefing, which included remarks from representatives of Designed to Move; SHAPE America; Ken Harvey, four-time Pro Bowl Washington Redskins linebacker; and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic gold medalist. William Dexter, M.D., president of ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and director of the Sports Medicine Program at Maine Medical Center representing Designed to Move emphasized that government has an important role to play in surveillance, research, and other policies. He also said physicians can play in encouraging kids and families to be more physically active. Said Dexter, “ACSM launched a program called Exercise Is Medicine with the American Medical Association, and it encourages doctors to discuss physical activity during every patient visit. As a physician, I can tell you that I make physical activity an important part of my practice, and more and more doctors are going to be prescribing healthy and enjoyable physical activity for all Americans, and especially our youth.” Rep. Schock called the report “deeply troubling.” He added, “The report card illustrates the need to promote physical fitness among America's youth, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and our non-profit allies on this issue to make sure next year's report shows measured progress among every key indicator." ■ MAY 5, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL STUDY INACTIVITY RATES FLATTEN By Thomas J. Ryan
According to the most recent study from the Physical Activity Council (PAC), 80.2 million Americans age 6 and older, or 27.6 percent, were physically inactive in 2013. This is a decrease of 0.4 percent from 2012 where 80.4 million, or 28 percent, of the population were inactive. An “inactive” person is defined as one who does not participate in any of the more than 120 sports/activities covered by the PAC report, which includes everything from individual and team sports to walking and running. “Although, PAC members are encouraged by the inactivity rate flattening out, we still have more than 80 million Americans continuing to live totally sedentary lifestyles,” said Tom Cove, PAC chairman, president & CEO of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “Industry initiatives and national campaigns to increase physical activity may be starting to bear fruit, but we need to decrease inactivity, not stabilize it. Now is the time for our country and our industry to double down in its commitment to promoting physical activity.” The PAC Report also reveals a disturbing trend in two vital age groups. Inactivity among 13 to 17 year olds increased to 19.9 percent (from 19.2 percent), and among 25 to 34 year olds increased to 25.4 percent (from 25.1 percent). "We believe 13 to 17 year olds are specializing in a single sport as well as finding fewer opportunities to play sports at high school,” said Keith Storey, VP Sports Marketing Surveys USA. “The 25 to 34 year olds are perhaps the 16 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
most time crunched generation with work commitments and young family commitments having an impact on the time available for sport." However, 210 million Americans take part in a wide range of activities, according to the PAC Report. Fitness, outdoor, and individual sports were the top three types of activities Americans engaged in 2013. Nearly three out of five Americans (61 percent) engage in fitness sports. The Physical Activity Council is made up of six leading sports, fitness, and activity associations dedicated to growing participation in their respective areas. PAC members are the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), SnowSports Industries America (SIA), Outdoor Foundation (OF), International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), Tennis Industry Association (TIA), and National Golf Foundation (NGF). The PAC's annual Participation Report measures overall levels of activity and identifies trends in over 120 specific sports, fitness and recreation activities. The report also examines spending habits, the effect of physical education, and participation interests among nonparticipants. The research was conducted by Sports Marketing Surveys USA, and the findings are based on an annual online survey of Americans age 6 and older. To view the full 2013 report log on to physicalactivitycouncil.com ■
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For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS
CALENDAR
Athletic Dealers of America 1395 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 t 321.254.0091 f 321.242.7419 athleticdealersofamerica.com National Shooting Sports Foundation Flintlock Ridge Office Center 11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470 t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087 nssf.org National Sporting Goods Association 1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 t 847.296.6742 f 847.391.9827 nsga.org Nation’s Best Sports 4216 Hahn Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX 76117 t 817.788.0034 f 817.788.8542 nbs.com Outdoor Industry Association 4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301 t 303.444.3353 f 303.444.3284 outdoorindustry.org
Photo courtesy Athletes Helping Athletes
JUNE
SEPTEMBER
11-12
Altanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA
3-8
NBS Fall Semi - Annual Market Fort Worth, TX
17-19
Licensing International Expo Las Vegas, NV
4-6
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Orlando, FL
26-28
Sports, Inc. Summer Team Dealer Show Nashville, TN
10-12
Interbike International Trade Expo Las Vegas, NV
16-17
SFIA Industry Leaders Summit Chicago, IL
JULY 8-11
NBS Summer Market Austin, TX
OCTOBER
10-13
European Outdoor Trade Fair Friedrichshafen, Germany
7-9
15-17
ASI Chicago Chicago, IL
NOVEMBER
18-20
A.D.A. Spring Show Reno, NV
15-16
A.D.A. Fall Show Palm Springs, CA
23-25
Sports, Inc. Fall Team Dealer Show Las Vegas, NV
AUGUST 6-9
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Salt Lake City, UT
14-16
Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Nashville, TN
18 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 5, 2014
OIA Rendezvous Asheville, NC
Sports & Fitness Industry Association 8505 Fenton St., Suite 211 Silver Spring, MD 20910 t 301.495.6321 f 301.495.6322 sfia.org Snow Sports Industries America 8377-B Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102 t 703.556.9020 f 703.821.8276 snowsports.org Sports, Inc. 333 2nd Avenue North Lewistown, MT 59457 t 406.538.3496 f 406.538.2801 sportsinc.com Sports Specialists Ltd. 590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110 Victor, NY 14564 t 585.742.1010 f 585.742.2645 sportsspecialistsltd.com Team Athletic Goods 629 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 t 636.530.3710 f 636.530.3711 tag1.com Worldwide 8211 South 194th Kent, WA 98032 t 253.872.8746 f 253.872.7603 wdi-wdi.com
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