NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GENYOUth Foundation-- a nonprofit dedicated to improving nutrition and physical activity in US schools, today announced that it has received a multi-year, $3 million-dollar commitment from SAP, a leading technology and innovation company. The investment by SAP will support youth entrepreneurship and efforts to improve school health through GENYOUth's AdVenture Capital, an innovative social entrepreneurship program that inspires, empowers and funds youth-led initiatives to drive new and innovative ways for improving nutrition and physical activity in schools nationwide. AdVenture Capital is offered to students participating in GENYOUth's flagship program Fuel Up to Play 60, the largest in-school health and wellness program in the country, developed by the National Football League and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The dollars will allow even more students to bring their ideas to life and inspire health, innovation and physical activity in the 73,000 schools participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 nationwide. By applying the principles of entrepreneurial investment to the challenge of school wellness, young people participating in AdVenture Capital will be empowered to identify solutions, "pitch" their ideas for potential funding and implementation, and develop life-long skills of leadership, communication and commitment to service.
SAP employee volunteers will take part in mentoring the students and providing guidance in the execution of their projects.
"Supporting young entrepreneurs is at the core of our vision to make the world run better and improve people's lives," said Bill McDermott, co-CEO of SAP. "SAP is proud to partner with GENYOUth in inspiring and empowering kids to live healthier, more active lives. We believe in winning dreams and in leaders like Alexis Glick who champion the bright possibilities ahead for our future innovators."
As the Official Cloud Software Solutions, Business Software and Business Analytics Software Sponsor of the NFL, SAP continues to invest in and solidify its presence in the sports and entertainment industry. This week SAP joins the newly selected winners of AdVenture Capital in an interactive workshop, just blocks away from Super Bowl Boulevard where they are pioneering a virtual fan zone for tracking social media, and using analytics to measure and predict plays during games. NFL fans visiting the SAP "Stats Zone" will have a chance to see innovation in action.
"I cannot think of a better or more influential company than SAP to join a coalition of public and private sector partners working together to make a difference in the lives of millions of kids who need our help," said GENYOUth's CEO, Alexis Glick. "Through this partnership, SAP and GENYOUth aim to develop the next generation of leaders and citizen philanthropists, empower the workforce of our future and drive social entrepreneurship to more than 38 million students across America."
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 253,500 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
About GENYOUth Foundation
Founded through an unprecedented public-private partnership with National Dairy Council (NDC) and the National Football League (NFL) committed to child health and wellness, GENYOUth brings leaders in health, education, government and business together in a movement to help America's youth achieve a healthier future. The Foundation officially launched on February 4, 2011 at Super Bowl XLV with the signing of a historic six-way Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education and Health & Human Services. GENYOUth empowers students to improve nutrition and physical activity by taking small steps to accelerate a lifetime of healthy changes. When youth are given a voice, change can happen. For more information, visit www.GENYOUthFoundation.org.
About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council (NDC), which was founded by America's dairy farmers, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools. Customizable and non-prescriptive program components are grounded in research with youth, including tools and resources, in-school promotional materials, a website and student contests. Fuel Up to Play 60 is further supported by several health and nutrition organizations: Action for Healthy Kids, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association/Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.
About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council (NDC), the non-profit organization funded by the national dairy checkoff program, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC has taken a leadership role in promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org
About NFL PLAY 60
Designed to help tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations like the National Dairy Council. NFL PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. For more information, visit NFLRush.com.
For more information:
Courtney Dubin
GENYOUth Foundation
917-359-6418
Courtney.Dubin@genyouthfoundation.org
SOURCE GENYOUth Foundation