Gopher Sport and San Diego State University Announce New Partnership with SPARK Curriculum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 5th, 2019

Owatonna, Minn.— Gopher Sport and San Diego State University (SDSU) are excited to announce a new exclusive partnership with SPARK, the world’s most researched physical education program.

Effective immediately, this new partnership allows Gopher Sport and SDSU to further enhance physical education and activity programs by offering comprehensive curriculum, extensive training & professional development, and quality content-matched equipment.

SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) was co-founded by SDSU professors in 1989, and over the last 30 years, it has expanded to become the world’s most researched physical education program. SPARK features programs designed for Physical Education, Early Childhood, After School programs, and Active Classroom settings. Each curriculum is supported by digital content, teacher trainings, and program-specific equipment.

“We are extremely excited to welcome SPARK into the Gopher Sport family,” said Gopher Sport Vice President of Marketing Matt Ginskey. “The SPARK program perfectly aligns with our corporate mission to help young and old lead more active and healthy lives, and we look forward to providing the many solutions of SPARK to schools and institutions across the globe. Physical activity is key to a well-rounded education and the health of generations to come. No other curriculum has been researched and proven to be as effective as SPARK, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for higher levels of quality physical education and activity programs in our schools by utilizing proven programs like SPARK.”

SPARK is one of San Diego State University’s biggest success stories!” said SDSU Director of Technology Transfer Tommy Martindale. “SPARK started in 1989 as a grant from NIH (National Institutes of Health) and has positively impacted over 200,000 teachers and more than one million students worldwide. Especially meaningful is that SPARK celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has selected a new licensee to disseminate SPARK products—Gopher Sport. After a thorough vetting process, Gopher shined as the best company to team with SPARK. Together, SPARK and Gopher are committed to providing teachers with innovative curricular resources, efficacious training, and inclusive equipment. SDSU is proud of SPARK, thrilled with Gopher, and pleased to support both as they strive to improve the health of children.” 

“Physical education is constantly evolving and so is SPARK,” said SPARK Founders and Authors Jim Sallis, Thom McKenzie, and Paul Rosengard. “We are now partnering with a world-class company that supports SPARK’s commitment to evidence, impact, and innovation. We feel Gopher is the perfect dissemination partner for SPARK, and we look forward to helping future generations live happier, healthier, and more active lives.”

SPARK curricula and resources are available today exclusively through Gopher Sport’s website and starting in March, its catalog. Call or go online to learn more about how SPARK programs can make a difference in your program! Visit sparkphysed.org or call 1-833-737-7275 for additional information.

About Gopher Sport

Gopher Sport has proudly served schools, athletic programs, and countless institutions for more than 70 years. We are dedicated to providing customers with products and services needed to increase activity, improve fitness, develop skills, create fun, and reach a higher standard of learning and living.