Kids' essays on fitness sought

Say you're a kid, and you've heard a lot about how kids are spending too much time with computers and video games and not enough time being active. Maybe you've heard that 87 percent of kids today have poor eating habits and that childhood obesity is increasing at scary rates. But what can you do about it?

Maybe you have some ideas worth sharing. CytoSport Inc., maker of Mighty Milk Nutritional Drink, is teaming up with Miami Heat basketball star Shaquille O'Neal to offer a "Be Mighty, Get Active" essay contest, asking kids, age 7-15, to write an essay — no more than 300 words — on how to make their community more active and more healthy. It might be something as simple as starting a jump rope league or buying new soccer uniforms and equipment or perhaps fixing up a field for little league sports, or maybe you have other great ideas of your own.

The contest ends Aug. 18, 2007. The first 500 entries will receive a backpack signed by Shaq. Ten finalists will be chosen and will receive a pair of Dunkman basketball shoes, signed by Shaq. The grand-prize winner will get a check for $25,000 to be used toward the winning community activity plan. He or she will also receive a trip for three to a Miami Heat game in November.

No purchase is necessary. A parent or legal guardian's permission is required for entry, and only one entry per person is allowed. To get complete rules or to enter online, long onto www.mightyfoodz.com.