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NMMA Embarks on Youth-Oriented Partnership for 2007 Boat and Sportshows
NMMA Embarks on Youth-Oriented Partnership for 2007 Boat and Sportshows
Captain Kids and NMMA aim to educate children on boating and water-related activities
CONTACT: Kelly Kaylor (kkaylor@nmma.org; 312-946-6262)
CHICAGO, September 15, 2006 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced its partnership today with Captain Kids, a national organization designed to connect kids, parents and educators to a broad range of maritime activities in, on and under the water. The partnership will include Captain Kids Discovery Point Exhibit hosted at several NMMA boat shows and sportshows throughout the 2007 season.
The Discovery Point Exhibit will be unveiled at its first NMMA show January 10-14, 2007 at the New Orleans Boat Show. The interactive exhibits featured in Discovery Point encompass several unique stations to encourage children to get interested and involved in the water, such as building a model boat, knot tying and boater’s safety. Other features include designated areas to explore and identify different types of boats, ocean literacy, fishing and conservation. Parents are able to enjoy the exhibit with their children and learn more about particular boats and how to get connected right in their own area.
“We’re excited to work with an organization such as Captain Kids that naturally aligns with the long term goals of the boating industry and the industry-wide Grow Boating initiative,” said Ben Wold, NMMA executive vice president. “NMMA boat and sportshows offer an exceptional opportunity to introduce children and their parents to the joys of the on-the-water lifestyle.”
Recent research shows childhood boating experiences have a direct influence on boat purchases as an adult. The NMMA’s 2005 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract noted 78 percent of people who had never owned a boat, but experienced boating as a child, expressed current interest in purchasing a boat. Among this population, 48 percent of those whose parents owned a boat and 39 percent of those whose parents had not owned a boat were currently interested in buying a boat.
“Captain Kids is designed to get children involved in the marine industry at an early age while also educating them on the environment, ocean science, boating destinations and other aquatic information,” said Tom Griffin, president of Captain Kids. “Working with the NMMA to bring this program to several shows in 2007 will help share the enthusiasm and boating know-how with thousands of families around the country. This partnership demonstrates a clear industry commitment to the next generation of boaters and the stewards of our greatest natural resource—water.”
Future Captain Kids aquatic awareness campaigns will reach out to schools and local community youth organizations nationwide.
For more information on NMMA boat shows and Captain Kids, please contact Kelly Kaylor at (312) 946-6262; kkaylor@nmma.org.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.
Captain Kids (www.captainkids.org) is a non-profit, national initiative connecting kids, parents and educators to activities in, on and under the water, with the mission to help all children discover the rich aquatic environment. It seeks to ignite a lifetime interest in the world of water. From water sports to maritime culture, from boating and fishing to aquariums and maritime museums, Captain Kids helps children explore and participate in lifetime activities.
Submitted by: michelle
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Added: Thu Oct 26 2006
