NFL Star Wide Receiver Cris Carter Named National Spokesperson for Fitness Authority®

Boys & Girls Club of America
Wednesday, 22 May 2002

National Football League (NFL) all-time great Cris Carter, who is renown for his commitment to physical fitness, has been named the National Spokesperson for FITNESS AUTHORITY, a youth fitness and nutrition program for kids launched by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, sponsored exclusively by The Sports Authority. Approximately 1 million boys and girls between the ages of 6-18 will participate during its initial three years.

In his role as spokesperson, Carter will participate in youth clinics and serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the FITNESS AUTHORITY National Championships, which will be held at the University of Miami from August 9-11.

Launched in 2000, FITNESS AUTHORITY is a 12-week physical fitness program and annual national championship competition designed by some of the leading experts in the field of health, nutrition and fitness. Both The Sports Authority, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America created this program in response to failing levels of physical fitness in America's children. According to statistics reported by the Center for Disease Control, almost 14 million children are obese due to physical inactivity and 8.6 million more children are at risk for obesity.

"Cris Carter is perhaps the single best person in sports to represent this program," said Marty Hanaka, Chairman and CEO of The Sports Authority. "His vigorous physical regimen is certainly one of the main reasons for his success in the NFL. In this regard, he has been a tremendous role model for other players in the league as well as children throughout this country. We are delighted to be working with him."

One of the true NFL Ironmen, Carter is a veteran of 15 years in the NFL -- three years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the last 12 with the Minnesota Vikings. He is an eight time Pro-Bowl selection and has caught 1,093 passes (second all-time) for 13,833 yards (third all-time) and 129 touchdowns (second all-time). A dedicated community leader, in 1999 Carter received the first Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition for his service to the community.

"This is a tremendous program and I hope my involvement will inspire children to get out and play," said Carter. "Exercising regularly impacts your life physically, mentally and emotionally. We need children to get involved in FITNESS AUTHORITY and I want to help motivate them to do so."

The Sports Authority, Inc. is the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailer operating 200 stores in 32 states. The Company's e-tailing Web site, www.thesportsauthority.com, is operated by Global Sports Interactive, Inc. under a license and e-commerce agreement. In addition, a 19.9% Company-owned joint venture with AEON Co., Ltd. operates 34 "The Sports Authority" stores in Japan under a licensing agreement. The Sports Authority is a proud sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of 3,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.5 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6 - 18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters is located in Atlanta.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org