Nickelodeon Games and Sports Network and National Scrabble Association Team Up to Spell Fun for Kids!!!

Business Editors

GREENPORT, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2001

Kids can now spell their way to recognition, prizes, self-esteem and garner all the other attributes associated with traditional sports through a new alliance between Nickelodeon GAS: Games and Sports for Kids and the National SCRABBLE(R) Association (NSA), creators of the acclaimed National School SCRABBLE(R) Program. As part of the alliance, Nick GAS will be the official sponsor of School SCRABBLE(R) tournaments nationwide and also will help the NSA promote the School SCRABBLE(R) Program, which is currently used by a half million kids in more than 15,000 schools nationwide.

Nick GAS, which was launched two years ago by the leading children's network, already has partnerships with Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Basketball League and others. "The idea of showing kids all of the different ways to compete is at the core of our network," said Mark Offitzer, Vice President and General Manager, Nick GAS. "Through this alliance with the NSA, we'll be able to show kids how there is much more to the world of games and sports than just physical activity. Plus, anything that sends the message to kids that being smart is cool is a bonus."

Last year, the NSA held three major School SCRABBLE(R) tournaments, including state championships in Massachusetts and Indiana, and a regional Long Island/Queens championship. The number of championships jumps to seven this year with the first National School SCRABBLE(R) Championship planned for 2002.

Nickelodeon GAS: Games and Sports for Kids, reflects the multi-media entertainment world that today's kids live in and features programming that celebrates the games and sports that all kids love to play. Hosted by Dave Aizer and Vivianne Collins, the Nickelodeon GAS programming line-up includes Nick's vast library of kids-first game shows, including Global Guts, Double Dare, Wild & Crazy Kids and Figure It Out; sports-related programs such as Sports Theatre with Shaquille O'Neal; and programs about electronic and video games.

Nickelodeon, now in its 21st year, is the number one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the U.S. and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 77 million households, and has been the number one rated cable network for four consecutive years.

The NSA, which is affiliated with game manufacturer Hasbro, represents 10,000 tournament and club players throughout the United States and Canada. The 2000 National SCRABBLE(R) Championship in Providence, RI, attracted more than 600 word wizards from 40 states and 5 countries. First prize was $25,000 with nearly $100,000 in prizes overall.

Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

SCRABBLE(R) is a trademark of Hasbro in the US and Canada.(c)2001. Hasbro. All rights reserved.