POMCO Kicks for Kids Awards Free Sneaks to City School Children

7/1/2008

The percentage of overweight children between the ages of two and 19 has tripled to 17 percent since 1980, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. To help reverse this trend among children in Syracuse and to "kick start" them to get out and play this summer, POMCO teamed with the City of Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department and several local, not-for-profit youth agencies to launch the Kicks for Kids program.

Representatives from POMCO, the City of Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department and several not-for-profit youth agencies distributed free Starbury One sneakers to 100 winners of an essay contest promoting active lifestyles. The winning entries were selected by representatives of recreation agencies the children attend, including the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Boy's & Girl's Club of Syracuse, Catholic Charities and P.E.A.C.E., Inc.

"Kicks for Kids is a natural partnership for POMCO to be involved with because it promotes wellness from an early age, which, in turn, form long-term healthy habits," said POMCO President & CEO Robert Pomfrey.

Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll said, "The generosity of POMCO is very much appreciated. Their youth and wellness campaign is a model program in the City of Syracuse. This is a great way to encourage kids to get out and take advantage of the many summer activities and programs offered this summer by our Parks, Recreation and Youth Department and other community organizations. Congratulations to all the kids who participated and received a new pair of sneakers."

POMCO underwrote the purchase of the sneakers, which are the signature footwear first introduced by NBA superstar Stephon Marbury. POMCO will also be making a donation to the Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs to be utilized for a camp scholarship fund.