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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Disney Channel And Disney XD Stars Team With Kid Viewers For "Disney TRYathlon"

[Via Disney XD Press Release...]


DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD STARS TEAM WITH KID VIEWERS FOR "DISNEY TRYATHLON," A TWO-PART SPECIAL AIRING MONDAY, AUGUST 12 AND MONDAY, AUGUST 19 ON DISNEY XD

--NBA Superstar Dwight Howard and White House Chef Sam Kass Host Health-Focused "TRYit" Interstitial Series on Disney Channel and Disney XD--

The popular health-focused competition "Disney TRYathlon" returns to Disney XD as a two-part special airing MONDAY, AUGUST 12 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) and MONDAY, AUGUST 19 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT). Part of Disney's "TRYit" campaign designed to inspire kids and families to try a variety of new foods, fun moves, and simple ways to be their best, "Disney TRYathlon" will team Disney Channel and Disney XD stars Leo Howard and Olivia Holt ("Kickin' It"), Calum Worthy ("Austin & Ally"), Jake Short ("A.N.T. Farm," "Mighty Med"), Spencer Boldman ("Lab Rats") and Bradley Steven Perry ("Good Luck Charlie," "Mighty Med") with three kid viewers who won an online video contest at DisneyXD.com/TRYit by showcasing ways they stay healthy including their sports skills. Throughout the competition, the teams will test their mental and physical abilities and teamwork while taking on new challenges. The special is hosted by Hal Sparks and Tyrel Jackson Williams ("Lab Rats").

"Disney TRYathlon" is part of Disney's Magic of Healthy Living, a company-wide initiative that inspires kids and families to lead healthier lifestyles by making nutritious eating and physical activity simple and fun.

Beginning TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, following the premiere of "Disney TRYathlon," NBA superstar Dwight Howard and White House chef Sam Kass will each host a series of Disney "TRYit" interstitials that will air on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Howard will teach Disney Channel and Disney XD audiences new exercises they can try on their own to stay in shape, and Kass will give kids and families tips on healthy eating and prepare recipes. "Disney TRYathlon" stars and "Lab Rats" star Billy Unger will join Howard and Kass in Disney's "TRYit" interstitial series.

Additionally, starting MONDAY, JUNE 17, a new video featuring "Disney TRYathlon" talent will launch every week on DisneyXD.com/TRYit where users are invited to participate in the "TRYit Challenger" by tracking the new things they've tried to be their best, such as  a new dance move or a swim stroke, or adding a piece of fruit to a meal. Kids and parents are encouraged to help the campaign reach one million TRYit actions. On July 29, DisneyXD.com/TRYit will also launch a "Disney TRYathlon"-themed web game where users can test their own abilities and prove their skills in three "Disney TRYathlon" challenges.

The "Disney TRYathlon" teams, which were named after the strengths of the kid viewers on each team, are as follows:

Team "Bullseye"
Calum Worthy and Bradley Steven Perry with 14 year-old football player and wrestler Javon.

Team "Sprint"
Jake Short and Leo Howard with 14 year-old varsity track and field runner Julia.

Team "Knockout"
Spencer Boldman and Olivia Holt with 16 year-old boxer and break dancer Stephen.

Filmed at Cali Camp in Topanga, California, the special is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions. Jonathan Murray, Scott Freeman, Jim Johnston and Maria Pepin serve as executive producers.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.

Disney Magic of Healthy Living partners with parents to inspire kids to lead healthier lifestyles.  Through engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences, this initiative helps parents by making nutritious eating and physical activity more appealing and more fun. For more information, please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/mohl