ESPN RISE

ESPN RISE, in conjunction with Nike, will host the Second Annual New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge, Saturday, Dec. 13 at the New Orleans Saints practice facility in Metairie, La., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Produced by ESPN RISE, the New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge, a FREE event, will give area athletes an opportunity to test and showcase their athletic ability, as well as learn how to train smarter. The combine is a great opportunity for top high school players, who aspire to play collegiate football, to see where they stand against their peers and get unbiased testing by respected professionals in the industry. The event is open to high school football players.

"ESPN RISE is excited to produce the Nike Football SPARQ Challenge in New Orleans for the second time in as many years," said Andy Bark, vice president, Events, ESPN RISE. "This event is free and open to all high school football players in the Bayou region; an area where there are more talented players than there are scouts. It's a great opportunity for players to receive SPARQ testing and training and to expose their skills to college coaches, an opportunity they may not have otherwise had -- it's a win/win for all."

The New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge was originally launched by Student Sports, which was acquired by ESPN in July 2008. Student Sports, now a part of the ESPN RISE brand, created the first high school football combine and camp event nearly 20 years ago and under the ESPN RISE name currently operates the Nike Combines and Nike Football Training Camps.

"We are thrilled to present the NIKE Football SPARQ Challenge in New Orleans as a part of The Lake Ponchartrain All-Star Classic because serving the High School athlete is core to our brand," said Scott Henson, Brand Manager Nike South. "The youth of New Orleans continue to show an unparalleled talent on the field and we look forward to bringing the SPARQ program to the participating high school football players."

Free online registration for the New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge, for guaranteed spots, is available. Players are also able to register onsite at 10 a.m. on the 13th

Athletes at the New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge will be tested in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle; vertical jump and kneeling power ball throw, as well as measured for height and weight. All athletes will receive a Nike shirt and free admission to the following week's all-star game. Former New Orleans Saints' players DE Joe Johnson, LB Pat Swilling, and RB Dalton Hilliard are also scheduled to appear at the event. At last year's event, players like Chris Faulk (LSU recruit), Raymond Cotton (Auburn recruit and Elite 11 QB) and Auburn-bound LB Jonathan Evans launched themselves with strong performances. After testing, athletes will participate in a SPARQ Training seminar with SPARQ Trainers.

The New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge is a part of Nike's long-term commitment to helping the youth of New Orleans regain their spirit through sport. Nike is also the presenting sponsor of the Lake Ponchartrain All-Star Classic football game, slated to kickoff at the Superdome on December 20th, 2008 at 2 p.m. The Lake Ponchartrain All-Star Classic has been a fixture in New Orleans since 1999, pitting the best of Jefferson Parish versus Orleans Parish. Notable All-Star Classic alums include Craig Davis of the San Diego Chargers, Jacoby Jones of the Houston Texans and former Cincinnati Bengal Skyler Green.