Teams prepare to showcase their solutions for bid to Global Finals
February 10, 2010-Cherry Hill, NJ-Thousands of Destination ImagiNation teams will put their creativity, teamwork and problem solving to the test as the Regional portion of the 2010 Tournament season begins this February. More than 72,000 young people worldwide will compete for a chance to showcase their solutions at the 2010 Destination ImagiNation Global Finals.
During a challenging year in which both financial and education reform has been front and center in the news, Destination ImagiNation proves that the need for an educational program that teaches 21st Century skills is critical. More than 29 states increased their team numbers from 2009, with Texas registering close to 3,000 teams.
“We knew we have a fantastic program that teachers and parents value as an enrichment program for their kids. What we didn’t anticipate was even with budget cuts across school programs, we would be able to meet or exceed our team numbers from 2009,” said Sue Shanks, Affiliate Director for Destination ImagiNation Texas. “I believe this speaks volumes to the importance and the perceived value of Destination ImagiNation to prepare our young people for future success.”
Regional Tournaments are held at the local level across the states and are the first steps toward qualifying for Global Finals. Qualifying teams advance from Regional to State Tournaments as the competition becomes tougher. The Global Finals brings together close to 1,000 teams in Knoxville, Tenn., to compete for the ultimate bragging rights.
“If you have never heard about Destination ImagiNation, consider this our personal invitation to check out our program,” said Rusty McCarty, COO and Creative Director for Destination ImagiNation. “You can contact your local Affiliates by visiting www.IDODI.org, or you can contact your local participating school district. Once you’ve experienced the fun, creativity and energy, I’m confident you’ll want to Start a Team for the 2010-11 season.”
About Destination ImagiNation, Inc.
Destination ImagiNation, Inc. is an extraordinary non-profit organization that provides two educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Every year, we reach 100,000 students across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Destination ImagiNation, our core program, is an exhilarating after-school activity in which students work in teams to solve mind-bending Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments. In our Destination ImagiNation 4-Life program, we design and implement cause-based programming for client organizations to reach target audiences in a powerful way. Destination ImagiNation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with more than 1.3 million alumni and a global network of 35,000 volunteers. Visit http://www.IDODI.org for more information.
