One new component of its Athletics' partnership is to back the Junior Spartans program, which was well-received in the fall by SJSU's youngest fans and their parents.  The initiative to promote teamwork and inspire children on the value of higher learning and healthy lifestyles through sport and physical activity was a natural fit for title sponsor, Kaiser Permanente.  That effort will continue, as well as additional programming slated for Winter and Spring 2013 such as the Classroom Challenge, featuring visits to area elementary schools by San Jose State student-athletes.  They will be on hand to lead grade-level appropriate "school" challenges with the kids based on core courses like reading and math.  The student-athletes also will talk with the elementary-aged students about the importance of education and maintaining healthy lifestyles through physical fitness, mirroring some of the primary goals of the Junior Spartans Program.

"At Kaiser Permanente, we are proud and very excited to partner with the San Jose State University Junior Spartans Program," said Kaiser Permanente's Senior Vice President and Area Manager Chris Boyd.  "As a sponsor, it emphasizes our mission to support programs that create healthy communities.  It also demonstrates our long-range commitment to the children of the South Bay.  Through this unique sporting opportunity, kids will learn the importance of teamwork and dedication, as well as be exposed to an institute of high education that is a pillar of our community.  It is with great enthusiasm that Kaiser Permanente join forces with the Junior Spartans to help build a stronger, healthier community."

In addition to planned activities now and in the spring, Kaiser Permanente and San Jose State Athletics collaborated on numerous successful partnership initiatives during the fall.  For the Junior Spartans Program specifically, the effort was launched and promoted, with a reported 780 members joining in just four months.  Both parties worked closely with Spartan Sports Properties, SJSU Athletics' multimedia rights holder, to coordinate a presence for the Junior Spartans Program at all athletic events and at numerous events throughout the community and at area schools.

"We are very excited by the response from local youth (and their parents) in regards to the Junior Spartans program," said San Jose State Athletics' Promotions and Fan Experience Coordinator Daniel Hackett.  "The goal during the Fall semester was to promote awareness of the program and build membership.  After exceeding expectations, the Junior Spartans program looks forward to focusing on the classroom challenge element over the next few months.  We would also like to pass along a special thank you to Kaiser Permanente for their continued support and partnership with San Jose State Athletics and Spartan Sports Properties to promote healthy living through education and physical fitness."

            Spartan Sports Properties is a property of Learfield Sports, which manages multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations and titles the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup.  To learn more about its 40-year history and comprehensive collegiate portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.