With “Lin-sanity” in full swing and Carmelo Anthony returning to the lineup, it seems like everybody wants to play on the New York Knickerbockers these days.
Now city kids will have that chance as the Big Apple’s hoops squad is teaming up with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in announcing the launch of the first ever, “Train Like a Knick!” fan contest.
Supporting the importance of overall fitness and wellness, fans are invited to submit entertaining and healthy exercise videos showing how they train like their favorite Knicks players. The contest winners will receive a Knicks training experience at MSG Training Center, including personalized basketball drills and workouts with Knicks alumni and team’s training and rehabilitation staff.
“The exercise session designed by HSS reminded me that physical training sometimes goes beyond the basketball court,” said John Starks, who played for the Knicks from 1990 to 1998 and is currently an alumni relations and fan development advisor for the team. “My hope is that all recreational players understand the importance of exercise when playing basketball and will continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Basketball fans 16 years of age and older are invited to submit a short video of 60 seconds or less showcasing how they “Train Like a Knick.” All content will be evaluated on originality, creativity and association with health and wellness. This may include specific basketball drills on rebounding and defense, stretching exercises or even making healthy food choices. Submissions will be accepted via HSS’s Facebook page until March 15, 2012.
Five finalists will be selected, and then fans across the country will have the opportunity to vote for their three favorites. In addition, each winner can invite up to four friends to “Train Like a Knick” too. One grand prize winner will also receive a VIP Knicks package.
“On behalf of HSS, we are proud to support the New York Knicks and are excited to bring this program and health and wellness messages to the fans,” said Lou Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. “Together we strive to help both the professional athlete and the ‘weekend warrior’ keep moving and stay injury-free.”
To enter the “Train Like a Knick!” contest, fans must first “Like” Hospital for Special Surgery on Facebook. The “Train Like a Knick” contest is open to legal U.S. residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, at least 16 years old at the time of entry, who reside within a 75-mile radius of Madison Square Garden.
