ENFIELD, Conn., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO Systems, Inc. issued the call for all 6-13 year olds who consider themselves curious, imaginative and creative to apply for the second annual LEGO(R) Creativity Awards. Designed to encourage lifelong curiosity and creativity, the LEGO Creativity Awards are an opportunity for budding inventors, explorers, creators and dreamers of all kinds to gain recognition for the imaginations that will make them the "builders of tomorrow." Beginning today through May 23, 2008, children from across the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) are invited to submit essay responses that showcase diverse talents in all things creative.
More than 1,000 children submitted essay responses showcasing their creativity at home, at school and in their communities for the First Annual LEGO Creativity Awards in 2007. Winners' entries demonstrated creativity in action, such as community engagement, product invention, movie-making and furniture construction. Self proclaimed "Inventor Kid" Max W., one of the first LEGO Creativity Award winners, detailed his first creation, the "Great Granny Booster Step," which was a special wooden step for his great grandmother who could not climb into the family mini-van on her own. The wooden step was so useful, Max has continued to be creative and invent many different solutions for other people in need.
"We believe wholeheartedly in the creative capacity of all children, who we look to as role models for creativity and innovation, so last year we were thrilled, yet not surprised, to receive essay submissions that showcased such diverse and energetic expressions of creativity," said Michael McNally, brand relations director, LEGO Systems, Inc. "In celebrating and sponsoring all forms of creativity, we look forward to again being inspired and amazed by the children's ideas, as we believe creative and critical thinking skills are essential for success in the future. The LEGO Creativity Awards are a perfect way to encourage the builders of tomorrow to realize their imaginations."
The LEGO Creativity Awards essay contest encourages children to think of creativity as more than practicing art or music; it is also about taking a new approach to everyday challenges. Official rules regarding entry and prizing can be found at http://www.legocreationnation.com/. No purchase is necessary and the LEGO Creativity Awards is open to residents of the 50 United States, D.C. and Canada, 6-13 years of age as of 2/26/08. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Contest ends 5/23/08.
Some teachers took the program into their classrooms to engage students in an exercise not only in essay writing, but also in the idea of how their individual creativity could make a difference. "It was exciting to see the children's eyes light up as we talked about the meaning of creativity in class and as they each began to share their individual stories," said Joanne N., second grade teacher San Bruno, California.
LEGO Creation Nation unearths, celebrates and cultivates people who embrace lifelong creativity through its online web presence, events, and LEGO Creativity Awards, and seeks to encourage children to become creative problem solvers and builders of tomorrow. To read profiles of creativity in action, test the strength of your inner creator and find tips for bringing creativity to home and work visit http://www.legocreationnation.com/.
About LEGO Systems, Inc.
LEGO Systems Inc. (LSI) is the Americas (North America and Latin America) division of the LEGO Group, a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough." For more information, visit http://www.lego.com/
LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. (C) 2008 The LEGO Group.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Stern, LEGO Systems
860-763-6731 / press@america.lego.com
Alisa Davis, Flashpoint PR
415-551-4141 / davis@flashpointpr.com
LEGO Systems, Inc.
