FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YMCA of the USA teams up with SI; launches fundraising campaign and participates in national mobile tour

CHICAGO, June 26, 2003 — YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for America’s 2,493 YMCAs, announces a one-year strategic alliance with Sports Illustrated (SI) and Sports Illustrated For Kids (SI For Kids) magazines. This relationship will help commemorate the flagship publication’s 50th anniversary, which celebrates and pays tribute to the grassroots nature of sports in America. The anniversary celebration will kick off on July 11th in Newport, Rhode Island.

As part of the alliance, SI will donate ad space worth millions of dollars to YMCA of the USA to promote how YMCAs build healthy spirit, mind and body in youth and adults through the vehicle of sports. In addition, SI has pledged to donate 100 percent of its anniversary subscription revenue to YMCAs across the United States from a special, Web-based anniversary promotion of Sports ILLUSTRATED and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Starting in July, the public can access SI’s anniversary subscription offer on www.ymca.net, www.si.com and www.aol.com.

"Historically, YMCAs have played a significant role in the evolution of sports in America," said Ken Gladish, Ph.D., national executive director, YMCA of the USA. "James Naismith invented basketball at the Springfield YMCA in 1891 and William Morgan created volleyball at the Mt. Holyoke YMCA in 1895. Consequently, being selected by Sports Illustrated as a charity of choice has an ideal synergy that honors the community-based nature of sport and of YMCA programs."

"On behalf of YMCAs nationwide, we’re pleased to have this unprecedented opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of YMCA community-based programs," said Gladish. "Sport has a unique ability to unite people of all faiths, races, backgrounds and abilities — which is the cornerstone of the YMCA movement."

SI’s yearlong 50th anniversary program, America’s Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 sports, will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, as well as the Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated’s 50th Anniversary Tour. The Anniversary Tour will travel to more than 25 states over 50 consecutive weeks, bringing SI to life in a highly interactive, personal way.

From regattas and rodeos to Little League and lacrosse tournaments, the Tour will reach more than 2.5 million people, and the YMCA will be there too, highlighting its sports history and future.

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for America’s 2,493 YMCAs, collectively the nation’s largest community service organization and largest provider of child care. YMCAs serve 18.3 million people, including 9 million children through a broad range of programs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. Financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net

Julie Mulzoff YMCA of the USA 312-419-8758 julie.mulzoff@ymca.net

Yakina Boone YMCA of the USA 312-419-8891 yakina.boone@ymca.net

Sheryl Spain Sports Illustrated (212) 522-6905  sheryl_spain@timeinc.com