Sports Illustrated Kids: Special Subscription Deals!

Disclosure: Our blog is participating in a sponsored blog ambassador program from Sports Illustrated Kids. As a part of this program, we have received paid compensation and a year subscription for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to SI Kids.

This week many of us will be getting ready for two big annual events, turkey day on Thursday AND Black Friday sales the next day.  While I can't help you make the big family meal, I CAN help make getting started on your holiday gift giving easier!

Sports Illustrated Kids has a fantastic holiday subscription rate!  Now when you purchase an entire year of SI Kids in print and on tablet for $19.95, you can send another gift of 12 issues (1 year) for only $5!  That's two gifts for under $25 or just over $12 each!

Sports Illustrated Kids has won highest honors from the Association of Educational Publishers, as well as the Parents’ Choice Award and is the perfect stocking stuffer because:

• It promotes reading to children who are reluctant readers
• Each issue is full of exciting stories, photos and games- the perfect distraction for holiday travel
• It is delivered straight to your door
• No gift wrapping required
• It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year through

I think it's also the perfect gift to give for Christmas because I'm sure all the great action photos, easy-to-read stories about star athletes, and helpful instructional tips from the pros will help inspire the recipient to stay active during the cold winter months.  The humor, comics, and activities will also help entertain and inform.  Each issue also comes with a double sided fold out poster and nine sports cards for an extra treat.

Sports Illustrated Kids’ SportsKid of the Year - Now Taking Nominations!

Disclosure: Our blog is participating in a sponsored blog ambassador program from Sports Illustrated Kids. As a part of this program, we have received paid compensation and a year subscription for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to SI Kids.

One of the reasons I think Sports Illustrated Kids is such a great publication is that not only do they provide quality content that inspires, encourages, and teaches...they also recognize outstanding kids too!

Right now they are looking for a special kid between the ages of 7 - 15, who exhibits strong sportsmanship through his or her accomplishments on the field, in their classrooms and in their communities.  They need your help; this is your opportunity to nominate your favorite kid athlete!  Simply go to the SportsKid of the Year page and fill out the form by October 7, 2013.

The winner of the 2013 "SKOTY" award will be featured on the cover of the December 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated Kids, receive a special SportsKid of the Year jacket, and a trip to New York City to accept their award at the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year ceremony.

Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it!   I love it when kids are celebrated for being shining examples and role models for their peers.  I think it encourages other kids and reinforces what a difference one person can make.  It's just awesome that SIKids is looking for kids to inspire us all and focus on the positive.

This year's SKOTY winners, brothers Conner and Cayden Long, made an especially big impact on me personally because like little brother Cayden, my younger brother also has cerebral palsy.  While my brother's is not as physically limiting, he has to wear leg braces and use two canes to walk and can't drive so my family knows how limiting a physical disability can be.

It was very heartwarming for me to see that Conner has found a way to overcome his brother's disabilities to compete with him in 14 races and with more to come!  I couldn't believe the determination and spirit both boys have and the amazing bonding this shared dream has helped them have.  It truly is a wonderful story!

To learn more about this inspirational family and the brothers, watch this video.  Hearing Conner talk about his brother, brought tears to my eyes.  Then go nominate your own SportsKid of the Year!

To subscribe to Sports Illustrated Kids, visit www.sikids.com/subscribe.

Sports Illustrated Kids: July Issue, Featuring Operation Hawkeye

Disclosure: Our blog is participating in a sponsored blog ambassador program from Sports Illustrated Kids. As a part of this program, we have received paid compensation and a year subscription for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to SI Kids.

It's very important to my husband and I that our children are active, which hasn't been hard since both have been on the go since the second they started walking!  Great publications like Sports Illustrated Kids is not only a great way to foster an interested in sports and keep moving, it's also a way to get kids reading.  It's also packed with great action photos, easy-to-read stories about star athletes, helpful instructional tips from the pros, and humor, comics, and activities.  Each issue also comes with a double sided fold out poster and nine sports cards for an extra treat.

July's issue has First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover along with an article about her Let's Move Active Schools push to get kids moving throughout the academic day.  It also features inspiring stories of athletes doing amazing things off the field and highlights 14-year-old Will Thomas, founder of Operation Hawkeye.  Will's organization raises support for U.S. Special Operation Forces and military families. It was begun back during the summer of 2011, when Will was inspired by a tragic military event.

While just 12 years old at the time, Will pledged to shoot 17,000 baskets in his driveway as a personal way to honor our fallen heros.  As word got out about his challenge, his community pledged money for every basket made.  It took this dedicated boy nearly 60 hours to complete his baskets and was the beginning of his ongoing challenge to raise money for military forces and their families; this year's goal is to reach over $300,000.

I was so moved by Will Thomas and his mission.  He is such an inspiration.  It's amazing to realize how much of an impact one kid can have, and how he can make a real difference!  Watch his inspiring story at the Sports Illustrated Kids Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sikids, and share how your family is using sports to give back and build community this summer.

Need an idea for just how you can get involved?  This summer SI Kids is inviting others across the country to join Will in his next challenge. The E17 Free Throw Challenge is a 60-day basketball event where kids all over the country will attempt 1,700 (individual) or 17,000 (team) basketball free throws in an effort to raise money and awareness for military families.

For more information or to participate, individuals or teams can register and pledge funds at the Operation Hawkeye E17 site, http://www.ophawkeye.com/e17. All participants will receive recognition from the U.S. Special Operations Command as well as an Operation Hawkeye bracelet. The individual or team that raises the highest donation will receive further recognition and a special prize.

The Sports Illustrated Kids July issue is on newsstands or through ITunes, Amazon Apps, Google Play or Nook Apps stores. To subscribe to SI Kids, visit www.sikids.com/subscribe