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Scenes from the FriarFit press conference

In 2008, the San Diego Padres established a new fitness initiative, FriarFit, in collaboration with the San Diego Childhood Obesity Initiative, The California Endowment (a statewide health foundation), and SportService (PETCO Park concessionaire).

FriarFit's long-term goal is to improve the health and fitness of San Diegans. The multi-tiered program has been executed in the following areas:

BALLPARK

• Healthier Food Options:
  The Padres and SportService (PETCO Park concessionaire) have worked together to improve the nutritional value and availability of healthier food choices at PETCO Park. Twelve concession items have now been added or upgraded on the menu, plus seven FriarFit food choices are now available at the kids' "Friar Shack" concession stand out in Park at the Park.
• Instant Recess:
  Prior to every Sunday home game during the season, the Padres conduct a FriarFit Instant Recess fitness break out at the Park at the Park. The sessions, open to children and adults, begin at noon and often feature guest leaders.
• Pedometers:
  These healthy promotional items will be distributed to children at FriarFit events in the ballpark and at various community events, as well as to Padres employees, as incentives to exercise. The customized FriarFit pedometers are a helpful tool to allow fans to track their fitness activities and reach their health goals.

SCHOOLS

• Online School Program/FriarFit.com:
  The Padres have been working closely with Paton Publishing, The California Endowment, San Diego Childhood Obesity Initiative, San Diego County Office of Education, and San Diego Unified School District to create an online resource that includes tools and activities for teachers, parents and kids, and participation incentives for children, including FriarFit t-shirts, pedometers, and Padres players and alumni visits to select schools.
• Instant Recess Break Video:
  Dr. Toni Yancey, Professor and Co-Director of the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities at UCLA School of Public Health, has produced a 10-minute exercise session set to music and featuring the voices of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. This video can be downloaded for from FriarFit.com.

COMMUNITY

• Public Service Announcements:
  Padres players and alumni will be featured in Public Service Announcements encouraging kids and parents to be more active and make healthier food choices.
• FriarFit.com:
  In addition to the ballpark and schools components, downloadable elements and other tools and resources are available via the Internet at FriarFit.com.