First Lady Michelle Obama today announced a new a national competition that will identify and reward the most creative, impactful, and scalable school-based programs and technological innovations that promote physical activity for children.

Sponsored by the Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP) in collaboration with the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), the contest will award a total of $500,000 in prizes, with individual awards of up to $100,000. Top winners will participate in funded pilot studies aimed at expanding the reach and impact of the projects.

“We know there’s so much good work going on all across this country to get our kids up and moving every single day,” said Mrs. Obama. “So we want to find the best school programs and technology ideas that increase physical activity for kids – and then help them reach even more children throughout America.”

The competition has two categories: “School Programs” and “Technology Innovation.” Teachers, schools, or even entire districts are encouraged to submit their in-school physical activity programs --from curriculums, environmental modifications, events, or other initiatives that promote quality school-time physical activity -- in the “School Programs” category. 

Winners in the “Technology Innovation” category will demonstrate how an existing or emerging technology can be used to inspire kids to be physically active. This can include tracking and measurement systems, software applications, innovative uses of social media, gaming, smart phones, and more.

 “TVs and computers can sometimes be an impediment to physical activity,” said the First Lady, “but we also know we can harness the power of technology to get our kids up and active.”

 Watch First Lady Michelle Obama announce the ASAP Innovation Competition.

Find out more about the competition at www.ActiveSchoolsASAP.org.