NBCUNIVERSAL HOSTS THE PEACOCK GAMES TO CELEBRATE ONE YEAR OUT FROM TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES WITH TEAM USA ATHLETES AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA AT CHILDREN’S AID

NBCUniversal; The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition; the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee; and SportsEngine Volunteer for an Olympic-Themed Youth Sports Clinic in Harlem to include Olympians Nzingha Prescod (fencing), Nicole Ross (fencing), Erik Kynard (track and field), and skateboarding hopeful Tom Schaar and “America’s Got Talent” Judge Julianne Hough

NEW YORK, NY – JULY 18, 2019 – On Wednesday, July 24, Team USA athletes will join children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Children’s Aid for The Peacock Games, an Olympic-themed youth sports clinic taking place at the Dunlevy Milbank Center in Harlem, N.Y. from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The event will commemorate the one-year countdown to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with 150 kids learning about different sports from U.S. Olympians Nzingha Prescod (fencing), Nicole Ross (fencing), Erik Kynard (track and field, high jump), and Olympic skateboarding hopeful Tom Schaar. “America’s Got Talent” judge Julianne Hough will also join in the fun with a special dance activity for the children.
 
The Peacock Games are being hosted by NBCUniversal with volunteers from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition; the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and SportsEngine.
 
Boys & Girls Clubs members ages 9-14 will participate in a variety of sporting events and team building activities inspired by the Olympics. They’ll learn about the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, as well as the importance of healthy habits, regular exercise and sportsmanship. The day will conclude with a medal ceremony honoring all of the children in attendance.
 
“Team USA athletes are such inspiring role models for young people, and powerful ambassadors for the importance of health and fitness in our lives,” said Linda Yaccarino, host of The Peacock Games, and Chairman of Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal. “We’re so proud to help bring this group together, and who knows, someday these young athletes might be the ones representing Team USA!”
 
“The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is excited to volunteer alongside NBCUniversal, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in bringing together youth of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in a variety of sports at this Olympic-inspired event,” said Kristina Harder, acting Executive Director of the President’s Council. “Events like this are so important because they encourage youth to get involved with sports who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. Sports bridge differences, teach us the importance of teamwork, build character, and help to develop behaviors like goal-setting and the pursuit of excellence in performance. Sports are inspiring!”
 
“Every day of the year, Team USA athletes are working hard to be at their best, whether representing our country on the field of play or giving back to their local communities and the next generation,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC. “They inspire us all, and we’re thrilled that this tremendous group of athletes will have the opportunity to do so in person with so many kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs on the one year out. Thank you to NBCU and all of our partners for coming together to celebrate the one-year countdown in such a fitting way.”
 
“Boys & Girls Clubs of America is honored to continue the mission of the President’s Council by participating in this inspirational event,” said Council member Julie Teer, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “It’s only fitting that one year out from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, we take the time to focus on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our next generation of Olympians. Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs empower young people to become active participants in their health and wellness choices. Through the safe, inclusive environment of the Club, kids and teens try new things, develop perseverance and learn healthy decision-making. By working with dedicated partners like Comcast NBCUniversal to offer valuable experiences like the Peacock Games, we can provide opportunities for all youth, regardless of background, to see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, setting them on the path to become successful adults.”
 
“Children’s Aid is thrilled to host the Peacock Games at our Dunlevy Milbank Community Center. Every day, we work with children and youth throughout New York City to ensure they are healthy, intellectually stimulated, and prepared to succeed,” said Phoebe C. Boyer, president and CEO of Children’s Aid. “Providing our young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead embodies the Olympic spirit and represents its theme to inspire and motivate the youth of the world to be the best they can be. We’re looking forward to a great day.”
 

For more information on the event, please contact Diana Rocco.