Jordan Brings Back the Breakfast Club

Beginning July 20, Jordan, a division of Nike, Inc., will introduce the "Breakfast Club" in three markets -- Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Oakland. Each event will give 100 local elite athletes, ages 15 - 20, the opportunity to meet and learn from Tim Grover, Michael Jordan's famed personal trainer.

Grover found the original Breakfast Club more than 16 years ago. Detroit Pistons' Rip Hamilton, a Team Jordan athlete, will join them in his hometown of Philadelphia (July 27) and boxer Andre Ward, also Team Jordan, will head back to his roots in Oakland (August 3).

Nike noted in the press release that after the 1989-90 season, Michael Jordan made a conscious effort to rededicate himself to training. Together, Grover and Michael created a challenging regimen designed to improve the stamina and endurance required to sustain peak performance throughout the grueling regular season and lengthy playoffs. Several times a week, Michael and select Chicago Bulls teammates took part in an early morning workout session at Michael's house, followed by a hearty meal from Michael's personal chef. The routine became a symbol of Michael's determination and passion to push himself to the limit.

The new iteration of the Breakfast Club takes cues from the original version and invites athletes to make their own commitments to push farther and harder. The brand wants to inspire athletes to approach their BreakfastClubs with as much vigor and drive as Michael.

"Michael was such a special athlete that it is easy for us to be distracted by his accomplishments on the court," said Roman Vega, Jordan brand manager. "We tend to overlook the off court work that made him a champion. His dedication and commitment to excellence is what set Michael apart from others. This summer, we want to pay homage to that with the Breakfast Club."

Grover, who oversaw the original Breakfast Club workouts, will spearhead all three of the one-day events. Grover has created a special exercise curriculum, focusing on Explosiveness, Strength, Performance and Conditioning, which local athletes can incorporate into their training regimens. In true Breakfast Club style, attendees will be also treated to a hearty post-workout meal. The curriculum will be available online for consumers at http://www.jumpman23.com.

"One thing that set Michael apart was his desire to be the very best," said Grover. "These Breakfast Club events, as well as the online version, will give athletes the know-how and the tools to push them farther than they've ever gone. It will be up to them to take this knowledge, add the desire and truly dedicate themselves to training."

As mentioned, the events will be supported by the attendance of Team Jordan athletes. In Philadelphia, the Detroit Pistons' Rip Hamilton will share some of the secrets that make him one of the best conditioned athletes in the NBA. In Oakland, Olympic gold medalist and undefeated boxer Andre Ward will reveal the arsenal of exercises that he incorporates in his routine.

On jumpman23.com, in addition to Grover's curriculum, visitors will be able to build a custom work-out plan. Based on information they submit, including personal and peer assessments, consumers can pick through a series of best-suited exercises for their needs. Pre-built workouts will be available as well.

Air Jordans debuted in 1985 and grew into an official brand in 1997. Jordan has developed a complete lifestyle collection of sport, casual and style products for both men and women. The Jordan brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers and maintains its commitment to outstanding athleticism with Team Jordan athletes. For more information on Jordan, including the Breakfast Club program, log onto http://www.jumpman23.com.