XerGames and GoKids Partner to Provide Award-Winning Program

Business Wire,  July 8, 2008  

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- XerGames Technology Inc. announced today that the U.S. Surgeon General honored GoKids Boston with its Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award. GoKids Boston is a research, educational training, and community outreach center of the University of Massachusetts, which partnered with XerGames to offer a variety of exergaming activities, combined with nutrition lessons, educational tutoring, and leadership skill building. GoKids features Sportwall Performance-PT[TM], XerDance[TM] multiplayer, and dance pads by Cobalt Flux[R], which are all manufactured or supplied by XerGames.

GoKids Director Dr. Kyle McInnis explained: "The Center combines evidenced-based behavior strategies with fun interactive games such as lighted walls and computerized dance pads, collectively called 'exergames,' to help get kids engaged and moving."

The Surgeon General's award recognizes those communities throughout the nation that are addressing childhood overweight and obesity prevention by helping kids stay active, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices. According to the Surgeon General, 12.5 million children are overweight in the United States -- more than 17 percent -- and overweight children are at greater risk for many serious health problems. Dr. McInnis also reports overweight children are also at greater risk for psychosocial issues including depression and low self esteem and that a growing body of research shows obesity and low levels of physical activity are additionally associated with poor academic achievement.

"We cannot wait any longer," said Dr. McInnis. "We need to act collectively to make real changes or we stand to put a whole generation of kids at further risk."

Jim Teatum, the CMO of XerGames and former President of Nautilus, said, "Studies show the obesity problem boils down to poor diet and inactivity. We've seen that today's kids are not very keen on counting reps and watching the time tick down on a treadmill; they would rather sit in front of a TV, computer or videogame. Our exergame products turn the problem into the solution by using computer technology to engage kids, involve them, and get them up and moving. Put simply, exergaming is what kids want to do. That makes a huge difference in terms of the level of involvement and exercise adherence."

"We are proud that XerGames' products were chosen for GoKids Boston and especially proud of the Center receiving this well-deserved award that recognizes their work with diverse groups of youth from traditionally underserved Boston communities, where rates of obesity and low physical activity are disproportionately common," said Cathi Lamberti, CEO of XerGames.

About XerGames Technology Inc.

Sportwall International Inc. does business as XerGames Technology Inc., manufacturing, marketing, selling, and supporting exergame equipment, a new paradigm in training and fitness that marries computer game technology with exercise. The company packages its products with XerGames[TM] programming and curricula for cardiovascular fitness, neurological efficiency, core strength, speed, agility, and motor skills training, to offer fully turnkey commercial systems to the fitness, physical education, and medical/rehabilitation industries located throughout the world. For further information, see www.sportwall.com.

Sportwall, Performance-PT, XerDance and XerGames are a registered trademarks and trademarks of Sportwall International Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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