Melanie Galletta (215) 448-1175

Philadelphia, November 6, 2000 -- It may look like and sound like an arena for a sporting event, but The Sports Challenge is truly an exhibit of the future. The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia's premier cultural institution and Pennsylvania's most visited museum, will unveil its multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art sports exhibit, The Sports Challenge, on November 17^th.

This new attraction will focus on the science behind sports through an innovative mix of science, technology, celebrity memorabilia, sports trivia and good old-fashioned fun. Showcasing 12 super-interactive "challenges" plus four virtual reality games, The Sports Challenge is designed to engage visitors as young as eight years old at all skill levels. Visitors are encouraged to test their skills at rock climbing, baseball, soccer, basketball and more.

Here's the kicker (no pun intended), each challenge illustrates the scientific principle in the activity and then modifies it in some way. By changing a factor in the body, the equipment or the force, each challenge first facilitates the understanding of the science then invites visitors to compete with themselves or others to improve their skill and score.

"Our 5,200 square foot stadium has everything; cheering fans, a Jumbotron screen, Astroturf and the sounds of race cars," says Franklin Institute President and CEO Dennis Wint. "Visitors need only to bring their adrenaline and their curiosity about sports they may or may not have tried before."

In addition to the exhibit, the Institute is developing a series of sports-related programming that will include demonstrations, celebrity appearances, a Wall of Fame, comprehensive resource materials for teachers and a slew of activities available both in print and on the Internet.

The Sports Challenge is the first of nine new, multi-million dollar exhibits that will transform The Franklin Institute Science Museum over the next five years. In 1998, the Institute launched a $50 million capital campaign to raise funds for these new exhibits plus a number of related initiatives. The next attraction, KidScience, will open in Spring 2001 and will focus on introducing young children (K-4) and their families to the wonders of science.

Independence Blue Cross Presents The Sports Challenge and is sponsored by the Philadelphia Daily News and Subaru of America, Inc. with promotional partner PECO Energy.

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