April 30, 2007

 

Contact: Andy Bowen

404-822-3309

 

 

Knoxville population swells by more than 18,000

When Destination ImagiNation holds Global Finals

 

KNOXVILLE, TN – More than 18,000 youth, family members and volunteer team leaders from nearly all 50 states and 13 foreign countries gather in Knoxville to take part in Destination ImagiNation’s Global Finals May 23-26. The exciting competitive event is the culmination of months of innovative thinking and imaginative teamwork by finalists in the largest creative problem solving program for youth in the world.

The site: The campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where Destination ImagiNation Inc. has held its international Global Finals event for the past eight consecutive years with previous tournaments being held as far back as 1993.

“Let the celebration of creativity begin!” declares Robert T. Purifico, President of Destination ImagiNation Inc., the non-profit organization that has challenged millions of young people in the past 25 years to solve sets of challenges using creative thinking, teamwork, self confidence, mutual respect, innovation and leadership. In 2006-2007, more than 200,000 youth from throughout the world took part in local, state and regional challenges in hopes of winning a slot at Global Finals in May. Up to seven participants work together as a team for 8-12 weeks to create their unique solution to a team challenge, which can have a focus that is theatrical, structural, improvisational, scientific or technical – or a blend of several disciplines.

Although Knoxville’s population will begin to swell with early arrivals on May 20, 21 and 22, Global Finals actually commences on opening night Wednesday, May 23, when teams from around the world march ceremoniously into UT’s Neyland Stadium carrying flags representing their state or nation and dressed in native costume – or a fun variation thereof.

More than 8,000 youth who have earned the right to take part in Global Finals will compete for the next two days for top honors in challenges that test their creative thinking, leadership, teamwork and presentation skills in problems related to aerodynamics, crime scene investigation, switching cultural traditions, issues of courage and playing card architecture and construction.

“Participation in Global Finals creates a harmonious and mutual environment of creativity that reinforces and celebrates the skills associated with teamwork and collaboration that result in lifelong friendships for all involved,” said Purifico.

The closing ceremonies will occur at 7:30 p.m. in Neyland Stadium where winners will be announced on Saturday, May 26.

This year’s top sponsors for Global Finals are the 3M Corporation, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Dairy Council, The SciFi Channel and Staples.

For more information, please visit www.destinationimagination.org.

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