JERICHO, NY — May 4, 2004 — sportskool, the nation’s only video-on-demand sports and fitness instruction network, today announced it will launch streetskool, a new youth-targeted programming block that will take the network’s authoritative instructional programming from the gymnasium to the streets — the playgrounds, street courts, skate parks and makeshift playing fields that are home to some of the most exhilarating, jaw-dropping sports action in America.
“Adults and kids alike have been turning to sportskool to get fit and improve their game, but we know that some of the best moves aren’t taught in a traditional setting,” said Brent Chapman, Senior Vice President, Developing Sports Businesses, Rainbow Sports Networks. “streetskool is for kids who have already grasped the fundamentals and are ready to take it to the next level — the kind of moves that can help raise your game and make it more fun to play.”
sportskool will begin televising streetskool this summer as three-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics is joined by pro player and streetball star Jason Crowe. They will demonstrate the style and moves it takes to own the asphalt in one-on-one and three-man street basketball. The segments, shot live at DeFillipo Park in Boston in 16:9 high-definition, will provide kids with the tips and techniques they need to shine on the court.
“A basketball, a hoop and some skills are all you really need to play ball,” said Pierce. “The skills are the hard part, which is why I’m excited to share what I know on sportskool to help kids and adults raise the level of their game and add some style.”
streetskool will also feature contemporary action sports, starting with skateboarding. Pro skateboarding legend Mike Vallely (Mike V.) takes kids to the local skate park where he teaches them how to nail that perfect trick, land that heel-flip, increase their Ollie height, the importance of skateboard etiquette, and the hazards of snaking and other skaters dropping in. Slow motion replays and video chalkboards help teachers break down each move or trick adding technique and style comments.
“sportskool is the perfect place to help skaters of all skill levels take the next step with their own skating. Not only will streetskool help skaters progress and evolve but it will also give them some perspective and history helping them have more fun with and gain more understanding of their skating,” said Vallely. “I’ve been skateboarding for twenty years and it’s all been very positive. I’m excited about this opportunity and I look forward to passing on the good stuff and encouraging a whole new generation to skate and enjoy as the sport continues to grow.”
sportskool, a service of Rainbow Sports Networks, is currently available as part of Cablevision’s iO: Interactive Optimum? digital cable television platform throughout the New York metropolitan region. The network is expected to launch in additional markets throughout the country later this year.
Featuring exclusive and original programming available only via VOD, sportskool delivers in-depth expert instruction, coaching and guidance from world-renowned athletes and coaches for a wide range of sports, fitness and training activities. The sportskool library consists of more than 2,000 instructional segments for the beginner, intermediate and advanced participant, covering 90 different activities. sportskool’s roster of elite athletes and trainers includes Mia Hamm, Sue Bird, Nomar Garciaparra, Mark Verstegen, Paul Pierce, Brad Gilbert, Jeff Blake, Mike Vallely (Mike V.), Bode Miller and many more.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC:
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women’s Entertainment; as well as the on-demand services: Mag Rack, sportskool, Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media’s other businesses include its regional programming services — MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks — in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.