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The love of sports creates pathways to wonderful opportunities in so many ways—including a quality education and a healthier lifestyle. That’s why the world’s largest children’s museum is proud to announce a partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Together, the two organizations are creating the NCAA Sports Legends Training Facility, which will be part of the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
The NCAA Sports Legends Training Facility will be filled with interactive opportunities for the entire family to participate in athletic activities while discussing how lifestyle choices in school and sports are interchangeable. Key skills will include hard work (practice and homework), dedication, and commitment. This indoor, permanent exhibit will be located within the Efroymson Pavilion, which will also house a changing exhibit (starting with The History of Hoops) and will serve as the new permanent home for the National Art Museum of Sport.
The NCAA Sports Legends Training Facility will be a place for children and adults to experience and learn about physical and mental training needed for all sports. Children and families will be able to test their strength, agility and balance through a variety of sports-inspired activities that will include football, hockey, basketball and a balance beam. Visitors will also enjoy learning about communication on and off the field by pretending to be a sportscaster. Costumes and props will allow children and families to immerse themselves in sports performance and try out different roles throughout the gallery.
The sports experience is designed to give more people, especially children and their families, access to health and fitness that is fun and inspiring.
"This exhibit gives us a chance to invest in the community we call home and encourage children to view sports as an outlet to improve both physical and mental wellbeing," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "I hope this exhibit inspires children and their families to pursue academics with the same vigor and excitement that they pursue sports.”
The NCAA is dedicated to developing young people and providing opportunities for them to succeed in life. The college sports governing body’s specific focus on academics, well-being and fairness aligns well with the mission of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Emmert stressed.
“We believe healthy habits permeate every facet of development whether it includes food and nutrition, exercise, pursuit of sports or quality education,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum. “Tips from sports legends, collegiate athletes, regular practice and hard work can help each of us build our confidence and learn new skills so we can achieve our life goals!”
The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® is scheduled to open March 17, 2018.
The 7.5-acre indoor and outdoor attraction will encourage families to get in the game together--inspiring all through the stories of sports legends. The NCAA Sports Legends Training Facility has been made possible by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
