We've seen many times the amazing self-esteem elevation and creative results of youth who apply themselves to invention challenges
Stamford, CT (PRWEB) October 1, 2009
Did you know JENGA® was invented by an 11-year-old British girl? Or that the trampoline was invented by a teenager? Young people have been responsible for some of the most astonishingly successful and useful inventions. To unleash innovative ideas for new toys, games and sporting goods, By Kids for Kids (BKFK), in collaboration with sponsors Toys"R"Us, The World's Greatest Toy Store®, and leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, today announced 'Invention Dimension,' a new competition that honors this rich history of inventiveness in young people.
Open to all American youth ages of 6 through 19, young inventors are encouraged to submit their own concepts for future toys, indoor and outdoor games, board games and sporting equipment. One National Grand Prize winner will receive a JAKKS Pacific Prize Pack valued at $1,000 and a trip to JAKKS Pacific headquarters in Malibu, California for an opportunity to pitch his/her invention to JAKKS' development team. Further, a special celebration event will be held at the Toys"R"Us international flagship store in Times Square, New York City where a $1,000 gift card for a toy lover's shopping spree will be awarded to the winner.
Youth contestants in all 50 States and the District of Columbia are eligible to participate. No purchase is necessary and all entries must be received online at http://www.bkfk.com beginning October 1, 2009, noon EST through January 29, 2010, noon EST. More than one toy concept can be submitted and up to three media uploads are allowed in support of each. Additionally, entrants must answer seven questions about the invention through the online entry form to make the entry official.
Four criteria will be used to evaluate each entry and choose the top five finalists - 1.) Originality of concept, 2.) Development and description of idea 3) Marketability and 4.) Potential for commercialization. Expert judges from the Toy Industry, combined with the results of an online vote that will give friends and family an opportunity to support their favorites, will determine one Grand Prize winner.
To spark creativity and inventive thinking, special educational materials have been custom-created for America's teachers in support of 'Invention Dimension' and are available free for download at http://www.bkfk.com/teachers.
The Grand Prize winner will be given the opportunity to name the teacher or mentor who was most inspirational in their invention process. That teacher/mentor will receive $500 worth of JAKKS Pacific School/Classroom supplies.
"We are excited to sponsor the 'Invention Dimension' challenge and to encourage young people to be innovative and to push the boundaries of their imagination," said Stephen Berman, President and Co-CEO, JAKKS Pacific. "We are looking forward to bright ideas and discovering the young toymakers of tomorrow."
"We've seen many times the amazing self-esteem elevation and creative results of youth who apply themselves to invention challenges," says Norman Goldstein, the founder and CEO of By Kids for Kids "All kids who engage in 'Invention Dimension' are winners and will benefit through the process of unleashing their creativity. We appreciate the support of Toys"R"Us and JAKKS Pacific, and together look forward to this competitive joust for emerging new product ideas."
Official rules for the 'Invention Dimension' challenge are available at http://www.bkfk.com.
Notes to Editors
About By Kids for Kids Co.
By Kids for Kids® (BKFK®) is a platform that empowers youth invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. BKFK promotes youth social innovation and partners with leading corporations to inspire product development, crucial technology skills, invention, and innovation in young people from 8 to 22. BKFK provides a unique platform for young people to develop, showcase, and commercialize their products, inventions and entrepreneurship. BKFK's 'cycle of innovation' develops critical 21st century skills in our nation's youth. The company provides educational resources- curriculum and challenges that promote social change, product development and entrepreneurial endeavors. Learn more: http://www.bkfk.com
About Jakks Pacific
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children's toy licenses in the world. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets®, EyeClops®, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Girl Gourmet®, Kids Only®, Tollytots® and Disguise. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney®, Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, World Wrestling Entertainment®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Graco® and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit http://www.jakks.com.
Press contacts:
By Kids For Kids Co.
John Forrester
(323) 702-3684
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Anne-Marie Feliciano
(310) 455-6245
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