EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – February 9, 2010 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced a continued partnership with the Games for Health Program to launch a statewide 2010 DanceDanceRevolution West Virginia State Championship Tournament offered to high schools, middle and elementary schools in the state of West Virginia. All West Virginia public schools currently participating in the West Virginia Games for Health Project are eligible to participate. This sensational statewide competition is the first of its kind and expands on Konami’s existing relationship with the state of West Virginia, which began in 2004, when the DanceDanceRevolution video game series was introduced into public schools’ curriculum in an effort to encourage kids to get in shape while also having fun. Beginning February, all enrolled students (grades 3-12) from the hundreds of West Virginia public schools are invited to participate in this championship tournament that will reward winning players with games and scholarships.


Complete with support from the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and School of Medicine and the Office of Governor Joe Manchin III, this initiative will continue to revolutionize the physical education curriculum of West Virginia. Since 2004, DanceDanceRevolution has been incorporated into the Physical Education courses throughout the state and has proven to be both successful and effective by students, staff and faculty in promoting fitness and active lifestyles for participating students. This new extension of the current curriculum allows students to take their skills to the next level and compete on a national stage amongst their peers.

“I’m pleased to announce a new collaboration involving the state of West Virginia and Konami Digital Entertainment, the makers of the physical activity video game, DanceDanceRevolution. The state will be hosting the 2010 DanceDanceRevolution West Virginia State Championship Tournament with the winners receiving $1,000 in higher education scholarships funds donated by Konami,” said First Lady Gayle Manchin. “This interactive game, which has proven to be beneficial to our state’s children, promotes a healthy life balance of exercise and fun.”

This program perfectly echoes Konami’s vision to use video games to promote active lifestyles, encourage competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship while doing our part to combat childhood obesity,” said Shinji Hirano, President of Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., “With the support of Governor Manchin and the continued excellence of Games for Health in West Virginia, we look forward to this exciting tournament and the improved health of West Virginia children for years to come.”

“The initiative representing the outstanding effort between Games for Health and Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. to help reduce childhood obesity rates in West Virginia is unique. The project continues to spread the message and the need for childhood health and wellness in the state,” explained Dana D. Brooks, dean, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

“Konami’s focus on the health and wellness of children throughout West Virginia reflects the College’s vision for a healthier West Virginia,” said Brooks.

“The statewide competition will emphasize the benefit of combining healthy activities, and lifestyles of young children while sharing this message statewide,” he added.

The tournament, which runs from February – June 2010, is as much about fitness as it is about fun! But with fun comes the spirit of competition, which is in full force for this campaign! Over the course of the 4 month initiative, students from all over the state will take to the mat to hone their skills in DanceDanceRevolution in hopes of making it to the State Championships in Charleston. But the road to Charleston will be arduous as students compete amongst their divisional peers throughout the state.

The tournament structure and bracket is as follows:

Eligible Divisions:
Elementary Division: Students in Grades 3-5
Middle School Division: Students in Grades 6-8
High School Division: Students in Grades 9-12

Round One
Statewide Qualifier

* Students from all over the state will compete against their classmates at their respective schools.
* First and Second place from each Qualifier is allowed to advance to next round

Round Two
Regional Championships

* Seven (7) Regional tournaments will be conducted to determine who will advance to state finals
* Winners of Round One Qualifiers will compete
* First and Second Place winners from each region will be invited to finals

Round Three
State Championship Tournaments

* Championships will be held in the state capital of Charleston.
* Winners of Round Two Regional Championships will compete against each other
* Top three places are awarded with scholarships and prizes

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