RYKÄ and the Women's Sports Foundation
Announce the 2006 RYKÄ
Women's Fitness Grant Recipients
More Than 1,600 Women to Benefit From Grants Awarded
EAST MEADOW, N.Y., January 16, 2007 – RYKÄ, makers of performance athletic footwear and apparel for women, has given $250,000 in grants since 2002 to benefit the health and well-being of women across the United States, and this year the power to impact has continued. RYKÄ, together with the Women's Sports Foundation, is pleased to grant $50,000 to nine organizations that inspire, lead and improve women's lives through health and fitness.
The RYKÄ Women's Fitness Grant provides financial assistance to women's fitness programs that: 1) empower and enhance the self-esteem of women aged 25 and older, 2) combine fitness activity with health education and/or 3) serve women recovering from health and/or emotional challenges. For the fifth year in a row, the RYKÄ Women's Fitness Grant Program has given organizations dedicated to supporting women's health and fitness the chance to open their doors to their communities and to provide women with the opportunity to participate in fitness activities.
“RYKÄ values health and fitness as significant aspects in a woman's everyday life,” said RYKÄ Marketing Manager Katie Clifford. “The RYKÄ Women's Fitness Grant allows us to encourage and support thousands of women who are determined to live healthier lives and become stronger individuals. RYKÄ is honored to support the 2006 recipients of the Women's Fitness Grant.“
“The RYKÄ Women's Fitness Grant provides vital opportunities for women to participate in physical fitness activities across the nation,” said Women's Sports Foundation Past-President Dominique Dawes. “By active participation in these programs, women are not only changing their bodies, but are developing more self-confidence and a more positive perspective on life.”
2006 RYKÄ Women's Fitness Grant Winners:
African Services Committee - New York, N.Y. - $10,000
Catholic Charities Harbor House - Wichita, Kan. - $5,000
Detroit Parent Network - Detroit, Mich. - $5,000
YWCA Minneapolis - Minneapolis, Minn. - $5,000
The Centennial Senior Center - Concord, N.H. - $5,000
NORWESCAP, Inc. - Wharton, N.J. - $5,000
SCO Family Services - Brooklyn, N.Y. - $5,000
Texas State University-San Marcos - San Marcos, Texas - $5,000
Central Valley Medical Center - Nephi, Utah - $5,000
About RYKÄ
RYKÄ believes that health and fitness are powerful tools in women's self-sufficiency and overall well-being. As a company inspired by women for women, RYKÄ is committed to providing exceptional performance products to meet women's fitness needs. The inspiration for RYKÄ footwear and apparel products comes from our consumer, the active woman. From designs that incorporate the latest technologies and materials to a unique women's fit ensuring a more comfortable workout, RYKÄ merges innovative design with versatile styling to create the perfect fit, comfort and performance for women throughout its product lines. For more information, visit www.ryka.com.
About the Women's Sports Foundation
Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is a national charitable educational organization seeking to advance the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. The Foundation's Participation, Education, Advocacy, Research and Leadership Programs are made possible by gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. For more information, please call the Foundation at (800) 227-3988. You can also visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
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Lisa Antonangeli
Women's Sports Foundation
(516)542-4700 ext.160
LAntonangeli@WomensSportsFoundation.org