Gold Medal Olympian, LaShawn Merritt to Host Youth Workout at Microsoft

Nov. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- Arlington, VA—Two-time Olympian, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Nike athlete, LaShawn Merritt will lead a youth fitness workshop by using the Nike+ Kinect Training video game on Xbox Kinect. The USA Track & Field athlete will partner with sports technology non-profit organization, AthleTECH on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Microsoft at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 S Hayes Street in Arlington, VA.

WHO: Two-time Olympian, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Nike athlete, LaShawn Merritt of USA Track & Field. LaShawn currently holds the fastest USA time in the 400m dash and the 2nd fastest time in the world for 2012. LaShawn Merritt made the 2012 USA Olympic Team. Merritt has recently joined the global organization, “Right to Play” as a global athlete ambassador to ensure kids from all over the world have the right to play sports.

WHAT: LaShawn Merritt will host a youth fitness workshop to lead a group exercise by partnering with sports technology non-profit organization, AthleTECH and The Microsoft Store.

WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2012 beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST.

WHERE: Microsoft at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 S Hayes Street in Arlington, VA 22202.

WHY: LaShawn Merritt will promote the new Nike+ Kinect Training video game at the Microsoft retail store as part of his continued dedication to interact with the youth in his local community. “The youth today have amazing resources at their fingertips to learn as much as they can. What a great way to combine video games with healthy activities so you can have fun while being fit,” says Merritt who wishes to inspire the youth to be physically active.  AthleTECH seeks to demonstrate how a commitment to personal fitness and an understanding of today’s technologies can be achieved in fun and meaningful ways. Using Microsoft resources and the expertise of professional athletes such as LaShawn Merritt, AthleTECH will provide local student athletes with programs that will help the youth grow into smart, healthy and responsible citizens.

HOW: AthleTECH continues "Connecting Today’s Heroes with Tomorrow’s Champions" by teaming up with LaShawn Merritt. LaShawn will select student athletes from local high schools that have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, a commitment to community, and strong athletic performance. The student athletes selected will receive AthleTECH’s October Breast Cancer Athlete of the Month Award, and will be invited to an exclusive event at the Microsoft Store at Pentagon City Mall. This day is designed to give LaShawn the opportunity to interact with the award winners about how to prepare for college; both as a student and an athlete. He will also share his story of overcoming great adversity on his journey to winning Olympic gold in 2008 and his journey of returning to the Games in 2012.

OPPORTUNITIES: Merritt is available for on-site interview opportunities to demonstrate the new Nike+ Kinect Training video game and speak about his partnership with AthleTECH.