Exergaming goes Online with US vs UK Gamercize Tournament

    /24-7PressRelease/ - SOUTHAMPTON, UK, July 09, 2008 - The virtual soccer tournament was held this week on Xbox 360 LIVE, made possible by Gamercize exergame accessories that add physical activity to everyday video games for all major consoles.

After hours of healthy practice a seven-strong team of boys and girls aged between 12 and 16 years old met online, introduced to each other only by videos uploaded to YouTube.

Each team member took their turn in a live five minute match of FIFA'08, using Gamercize with their Xbox 360s which froze on-screen players while they were not working out.

Gamercize is deceptively simple and enormously effective. Play any game you want while stepping or pedalling. Stop moving, and Gamercize pauses the game, start moving, and the game starts again.

The kids did not notice the exercise effort as they became engrossed in the competition of national pride.

Players scored points for the number of steps they completed during a match as well as for a win or a draw, and the UK team finished the tournament with 14,981 points beating the 6,472 total for the USA.

The tournament, televised live by Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA, was organised by exergame vendors Gamercize and their new USA partners, KickStart Fitness, who have today launched a new website, www.gamercizeusa.com, to bring the hottest European add-on to the US.

"The Brits had a head start on us this time, but we put up a valiant challenge and are aiming for the title. We had no problem persuading the kids from our team to practice, in fact it was hard to keep them off the equipment they enjoyed it so much. We will easily be over subscribed with players for a rematch." Said co-organizer and KickStart partner Terry Grim.

Team Gamercize UK was led by Derbyshire Sport Competition Manager Phil Basterfield who has been using Gamercize equipment in UK schools since the beginning of this year.

The rematch, scheduled for the fall, has attracted interest from four extra countries wishing to field teams and it is planned to use PlayStation 3 as well as Xbox 360 video game consoles with a wider spectrum of game titles.

In the UK, Gamercize CEO, Richard Coshott, confirms the UK champions are willing to defend against all challengers that will include the Australian Gamercize partner, Childsplay Fitness, and independently sponsored teams from around the world.

"We have made history with this event and it would not have been possible without the highly motivated and professional team of KickStart Fitness. I want to thank the team leaders and children from both South Derbyshire Sport and Gold County United FC for making this world first possible and enjoyable.

"The partnership with KickStart Fitness, which forms Gamercize USA, is equally exciting because now Americans will have a trustworthy local source for the full Gamercize range without having to order overseas." Added Gamercize CEO, Richard Coshott.

Gamercize USA will stock exergaming accessories for home, gym and even office, including the Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport, as used in this tournament, priced at $239 for the stepper or $269 for the cycle. Reseller enquiries are welcome for all equipment in the Gamercize range which starts from just $139.

To order Gamercize in the USA call 866-954-5425 or visit http://www.gamercizeusa.com

For ordering in Australia call 1300 769 385 or visit http://www.childsplayfitness.com.au

About Gamercize: Gamercize, a British company behind world-wide patented electronic fitness accessories for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii, PS2, Xbox and Gamecube. The company aim is to encourage fitness through motivation and enjoyment; by innovation in technology. Gamercize is a member of the Fitness Industry Association. Its website is http://www.gamercize.net

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