Nestlé program's goal is to get kids moving

Attention all lazy kids, three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines is calling you out.

The Olympic swimmer is the spokesman for Nestlé Pure Life Water's reward campaign aimed at schools, and Gaines hopes he can encourage young people to get off the couch.

"I see the obesity in our children. I see the laziness in our youth today compared to when I was a kid," Gaines said. "The mission behind the program is what's so important to me."

From now until May 31, schools in Clark County have a chance to earn physical education equipment by drinking Nestlé water. Registration for the program is open until March 31 and can be accessed at www.goplaylabels.com.

Gaines argued that simply by having this program in place at local schools, children will be motivated to drink more water to earn points.

To participate, registered schools peel the labels off of Nestlé water bottles and log the corresponding points into an account provided on the program's Web site. Each label is worth two points and each school has the opportunity to earn up to one million points.

"Obviously, we want you to buy more Nestlé Pure Life Waters. That's the method behind the madness," Gaines said. "The mission, though, is really to encourage healthy play and healthy hydration."

Participating schools can earn sports equipment and field trips related to physical activity. The promotion is designed for kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

"The great thing about it, and what makes it different is, it really encourages kids to get off the couch," said Julie Staadecker, spokeswoman for Nestlé Waters.

Examples of prizes include gear for baseball, football, soccer, basketball and volleyball.

"As a father, I see the benefits of this firsthand," Gaines said. "Youth obesity is a huge problem."

Nestlé Waters will notify schools of their total earned points and redemption information at the end of the promotion. Schools have until Oct. 1 to redeem their points for rewards.