USAV, HOPSports Partner to Promote Youth Volleyball

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 8, 2010) - USA Volleyball (USAV) has announced a partnership with HOPSports, creator of a revolutionary fitness program, to improve students' health and wellness by promoting volleyball utilizng 21st century media technology. The HOPSports Training System (HTS) infuses celebrities, DVR technology and fun into physical education and fitness activities that encourage healthy living among youth and adults. USA Volleyball will be HOPSPorts' first National Governing Body partner.

"HOPSports is honored to work with USA Volleyball in advancing the mission of our organization," HOPSports President Cindy Sisson said. "Our goal is to introduce volleyball through the HOPSports vast network in 41 states, 550 schools and after school programs, with an estimated reach of 1.5 million impressions to kindergarten through 12th grade students each week."

The HTS incorporates video fitness lessons with various professional league mascots and players from the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB. Additionally, the Ringling Bros., Harlem Globetrotters, Stuntmens Association and Tezoro Productions with choreographers from the hit FOX show "So You Think You Can Dance?" all are active participants promoting health and wellness to a captive audience.The fitness lessons and activities are delivered through a multi-screen format to integrate nutrition, fun facts, anatomy instruction and educational messaging in a fun and exciting workout experience.

"We are delighted to partner with HOPSports," USAV Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. "Its state-of-the-art technology and presentation techniques will engage, entertain and develop healthy initiatives for millions of children as well as extend the values of the sport of volleyball and the brand of USA Volleyball to broad and diverse populations. This partnership also represents a valuable resource for our 40 Regional Volleyball Associations in service of growing participation."
Besides proper skill instruction at the basic levels, the initiative's goal is to educate the HOPSports audience on the history of USA Volleyball and to promote a series of lessons that will be inclusive in nature. Currently, Olympians Annette Davis and Dain Blanton (2000 Olympic Games gold medalist) are the host celebrity trainers presenting the HOPSports volleyball lessons.

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 240,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,000 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $11 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men's and women's senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and ParalympicTeams. USA

Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.

About HOPSports: HOPSports is the industry leader in teaching movement through technology. HOPSports is a multi-media instructional tool for physical education teachers and fitness instructors, delivered through DVR technology. The multi-screen format provides fitness lesson plans that meet state and national standards while integrating nutrition, fun facts, anatomy instruction and educational messaging in a fun and exciting environment. HOPSports' delivery mechanism is simple to use and is a great tool for K-12 physical educators and before and after school fitness instructors to teach along with HOPSports' host of exciting trainers. HOPSports is currently installed in schools and youth community sites in 41 U.S. states. For more information, please visit www.hopsports.com.