McDonald’s Passport to Play Kicks-Off In U.S. Schools.

McDonald’s underscored its commitment to balanced, active lifestyles today by kicking-off Passport to Play, a new in-school program that motivates children to be more active in unique and fun ways during grade school physical education classes. With Passport to Play, children will engage in playground games and physical activities from around the world, while learning more about the culture and country where the activities originate. Passport to Play is being activated in 31,000 U.S. schools, includes a national tour that will make stops at more than 90 schools and is expected to reach seven million school children this year.

The program was developed in partnership with Kaleidoscope Education Support Group, a company dedicated to bringing experiential learning programs to children, and the Kaleidoscope’s Advisory Board of teachers and school administrators.

“McDonald’s is building on our rich heritage of caring for the well-being of children and of supporting schools and our local communities,” said Ken Barun, senior vice president of Balanced, Active Lifestyles, McDonald’s Corporation. “We are partnering with third-party experts like the United States Olympic Committee, the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, and the Children’s Nutrition Research Center to positively impact children’s lives.”

Passport to Play supports student learning as defined in the National Standards for Physical Education and is supported by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE). The curriculum program includes activities from 15 countries including Australia, Congo, France, Holland, India, and Thailand, among others.

“As educators, we owe it to our kids to give them both fun and educational experiences,” said Charlene Burgeson, executive director of NASPE. “McDonald’s Passport to Play is an enjoyable way to aid in children’s growth physically and academically and reach our recommended goal of 60 minutes of daily activity for proper growth.”

Elementary school physical educators and district curriculum directors provided input and feedback on the development of Passport to Play. The program was also reviewed by physical activity experts at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.