K-Swiss is the latest sporting goods brand to join PHIT America’s national efforts to help get young children get active and physically fit.
K-Swiss’ support will be used to support new physical activity programs throughout U.S. schools by leveraging the PHIT America GO! Grants program. These GO! Grants will jumpstart active lifestyles for thousands of children. In addition, the partnership brings further support to PHIT America as it works with Congress to pass the PHIT Act. The PHIT Act will change current federal tax law to allow for the deduction or use of pre-tax dollars to cover expenses related to sports, fitness and other physical activities.
“At K-Swiss, we realize that it’s necessary to make an investment of time and money to help grow our customer base—sports participants,” states Mike Miringoff, global director. “With the declines in sports participation—especially among the youth—K-Swiss is dedicated to reversing that negative trend. We are excited to play a leading role in our consumers’ personal sports and fitness journeys, which is why PHIT America is an ideal partner for K-Swiss. We look forward to continuing this movement and seeing the impact of the work and mission of PHIT America as a result of our future efforts together.”
“K-Swiss is one of the leaders in the footwear industry which understands ‘big picture’ issues like declines in sports participation,” says Jim Baugh, founder of PHIT.“We sincerely appreciate the support from K-Swiss. We at PHIT America truly are focused on increasing the number of physically fit and active Americans.”
In the past two years, more than 375 PHIT America GO! Grants have been awarded nationally to school P.E. programs, helping nearly 200,000 school children get physically active. The PHIT America GO! Grants help schools that are in desperate need of gear, programming or training for their physical activity programs. There is a huge need as 48 percent of all high schools have no physical education programs, with many school districts have even cutting recess. With the average budget for physical education programs throughout the U.S. at only $762 per year for an entire school, it is estimated that more than 40,000 schools throughout the U.S. are in need of help.
“PHIT America is seeking support from corporations, organizations and individuals which have an interest in health, fitness and children’s education,” Baugh says. “Physical inactivity is a national crisis in the U.S. Sitting has become the new smoking. This investment is critical to the future of our kids and to America, as a nation.”
