K'NEX Brands Kicks Off Its Annual K'NEXpert Building Challenge

$10,000 College Savings Bond Tops Prize List that Includes Trip to K'NEX Headquarters for a Behind the Scenes Tour and Free Building Toys (http://www.knex.com)

Hatfield, PA (Vocus) June 30, 2009 -- K’NEX Brands, one of the world’s leading construction toy companies, is inviting kids across the country to put on their thinking caps and enter the K’NEXpert Search (http://www.knex.com/club/becoming_knexpert.php) – an annual contest that invites kids ages 5-12 to design a creative, original model made entirely from K’NEX parts. Three imaginative young builders – one from three age groups: 5 to 6-year-olds; 7 to 8-year-olds; and, 9 to 12-year-olds - will each win a $10,000 savings bond for college.

Young builders between the ages of 5-12 must submit an entry within one of four building categories: Futuristic; Vehicles; Ultimate K’NEX Model and Amusement Park Thrill Rides. Kids are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild – models are judged on creativity, uniqueness and detail.

Last year’s three Grand Prize Winning models (http://www.knex.com/club/knexperts.php) include a 10,000 piece moving robot, a 4 foot tall motorized roller coaster and a model of the solar system with lights and motor!

This year, the three grand prize winners will also receive a trip for three to K'NEX headquarters near Philadelphia, PA for the K’NEXpert Award Ceremony, where they can meet each other and discover, through company designers and a factory tour, how K’NEX is made. Seven additional winners across all age groups will each receive $1,000 savings bonds. Also, all ten winners will receive $250 worth of free K’NEX Building Sets, and their very own photo gallery page at www.knex.com. All semi-finalists and finalists will receive discounts on online purchases for a year, K’NEX gear and a K’NEX birthday gift.

The 2010 K’NEXpert Search will run from now through September 15, 2009 with winners announced on November 10th, 2009. Children enter by printing out the entry form (http://www.knex.com/club/becoming_knexpert.php?next=y) from the K’NEX web site beginning June 15, 2009 and mailing it in to K’NEX. Submissions must include a photo of the creation and a one-minute video or one-page summary describing how the child came up with the idea, how long the design took to build and how many K’NEX pieces were used.

A panel of judges comprised of K’NEX employees will select semi-finalists; an online vote will determine ten winners and Joel Glickman, inventor of K’NEX, will choose the three Grand Prize Winners.

For more information on K’NEX, the contest and previous winners, visit www.knex.com.

About K’NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K’NEX Brands, the world’s most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world’s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K’NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K’NEX Education program. For more information, please visit www.knex.com.

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