The Jaguars Foundation and co-sponsor DIET PEPSI announce the release of the 2008-2009 edition of The Official Playbooks®, available at local public libraries in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties starting Monday, September 15, 2008 through the football season or while supplies last.
The annual publication by the Jaguars Foundation promotes reading and the use of public libraries by featuring children's and teen books that inspire and educate. This year's theme, "Healthy Mind Healthy Body," ties into the Foundation's "WHAT MOVES U" program by highlighting books promoting healthy living, physical activity and good nutrition. The Jaguars Foundation and Wolfson Children's Hospital have partnered in the local implementation of the national "WHAT MOVES U" initiative of the National Football League and the American Heart Association to increase youth physical fitness and help prevent and reduce childhood obesity.
"This year's Playbooks features wonderful books that will inspire children and teens to read about physical activities and nutritional foods to help them live healthy lives," stated Delores Barr Weaver, Jaguars Foundation Chair/CEO and team co-owner. "Reading is so important to a child's future success, so we looked for books that youth will be excited to check out from the library and take home to read."
Jaguars Quarterback, David Garrard is featured on the cover and in TV and radio public service announcements (PSAs). The TV PSA will debut on the stadium video screens at the September 14 home opener. The PSA's will continue to air throughout the football season in the stadium and on local television and radio stations. The Jaguars owners, head coach, vice president of player personnel, head athletic trainer, players, the ROAR, and JAXSON de Ville are featured in this issue, with highlights on how they stay active and eat right. There are special "behind the scenes" pictures of players at the team's training table, kitchen, classrooms, and locker room. Other special items of interest in the booklet include puzzles and reading tips for parents.
The Dalton Agency, which has designed Playbooks each year since the program's inception, also designed and programmed the Playbooks website, accessible at www.jaguars.com , which allows for more interaction by the public and provides an opportunity for classrooms to use as a teaching tool. The interactive website includes games for kids, tips for parents and links to other reading sites.
The Jaguars Foundation's mission states that youth represent the community's future, and that "the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation is committed to serving the greater Jacksonville area through strategic financial, networking, and volunteer support benefiting economically and socially disadvantaged youth and families. By building upon our city's strengths, we seek to realize the positive potential of our young people in need. In doing so, we aim to serve as a model to other sports franchises."
