SuperChallenge Fact Sheet

The Challenge:

The SuperChallenge is a year-long, fund-matching program developed by the 1998 Goodwill Games and TBS Superstation, the Games' host network, to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The SuperChallenge aims to generate one million hours of volunteer time and $1 million for the national organization of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For every volunteer hour generated, the Goodwill Games will donate $1, up to $1 million, for the national organization to support the estab lishment of new Clubs. The SuperChallenge hopes to raise $1 million for local Boys & Girls Clubs as well.

How to get involved:

To volunteer time and/or pledge money that will go to the local Clubs, interested individuals call 1-800-854-CLUB (800-854-2582). The information will be routed to the Boys & Girls Club closest to the caller's location, and the caller will be given the addresses and telephone numbers of three Boys & Girls Clubs in the area.

Callers will be asked to leave their phone number and address, as well as to pledge their time and/or a financial contribution to the SuperChallenge. A representative from the local Boys & Girls Club will contact callers regarding their pledge.

Why get involved:

To expand programs and activities provided at the more than 1,850 clubs nationwide, the local Boys & Girls Clubs need volunteers to lend a hand in a variety of areas, from painting facilities and restoring playgrounds to running youth activities and helping children with computers and homework. Those individuals who do not have the time but want to support their local Clubs, can make a financial donation that will go to local Clubs and be counted toward the $1 million for local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Duration:

The SuperChallenge's official kick-off was on July 17, 1997, at the 1998 Goodwill Games' one-year-out press conference and concludes on Aug. 2, 1998, at the closing of the Games. To commemorate the start of the program, R.E. Turner, vice chairman of Time Warner, Inc. and founder of the Goodwill Games, made the first $1 donation to the program at the press conference.

Spreading the word:

TBS Superstation is conducting a national print and television advertising campaign to promote awareness and involvement in the SuperChallenge. Local cable operators will also be involved in promoting the program in their viewing area.

Boys & Girls Clubs:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the fastest-growing youth development organization in the country, has been dedicated to the growth and personal achievement of children from disadvantaged circumstances since 1860. The Boys & Girls Clubs strive to make a positive impact on young lives by building self-esteem and encouraging the development of values and skills during critical periods of childhood growth. In communities throughout the United States, Boys & Girls Clubs serve as a refuge. Clubs help children who need help the most, with proven programs, professional staff and dedicated volunteers who know the neighborhoods they serve.

Goodwill Games:

Helping children is an investment in the world's future, and involvement in sports is an excellent life experience. With this in mind, the Goodwill Games have refocused their mission to benefit children. To achieve this new mission, the Goodwill Games have adopted the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as its domestic charity. Founded in 1986 by R.E. Turner, vice chairman of Time Warner, Inc., as a resul t of an extraordinary vision of international goodwill through world-class competition, the Goodwill Games have grown to become a premier international, multi-sport event. The 1998 Goodwill Games, July 19 - Aug. 2 in the New York metropolitan area (Manhattan and Long Island), will showcase 15 sports with approximately 1,500 athletes from more than 60 countries.

TBS Superstation:

TBS Superstation, the host network of the 1998 Goodwill Games, has also identified the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as its charity. TBS Superstation, the most-watched network on cable, is dedicating hundreds of hours of airtime, talent and resources to promote the SuperChallenge. The Superstation hopes to empower its viewers to take action and help children in the United States. TBS Superstation, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s flagship network, is seen in more than 71 million homes.