Hospital for Special Surgery and New York Knicks Invite Fans to "Train like a Knick!"

New York, N.Y.—February 2, 2012

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a world leader in orthopedics and rheumatology and the Official Hospital of the New York Knicks, and the New York Knickerbockers announced today the launch of the first-ever “Train Like a Knick!” fan contest. Supporting the importance of overall fitness and wellness, fans are invited to submit entertaining and healthy exercise videos that show how they train like their favorite Knicks players. The contest winners will receive a Knicks training experience at MSG Training Center, including personalized basketball drills and workouts with Knicks alumni and the team’s training and HSS rehabilitation staff. 

The video contest is part of HSS’ and the Knicks effort to encourage fans, amateur athletes and “weekend warriors” to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle throughout the basketball season and beyond. Instructional videos featuring former Knick players Charles Smith, John Starks and John Wallace and hosted by MSG personality Scott Lasky, appear on www.HSS.edu. In the videos, HSS physical therapists and exercise physiologists lead the players through a series of workouts, highlighting joint alignment, maximum oxygen intake and core strength, that demonstrate training methods to help athletes prevent injuries and perform at their best.

“The exercise session designed by HSS reminded me that physical training sometimes goes beyond the basketball court,” said John Starks, who played for the Knicks from 1990 to 1998 and is currently an Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor for the team. “My hope is that all recreational players understand the importance of exercise when playing basketball and will continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

“We are excited to be working with our partner HSS to invite passionate Knicks fans to show us how they train like their favorite team,” said Greg Economou, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “This is a fun and interactive initiative that helps promote the importance of fitness and overall wellness, and offers fans a chance to win an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience to train with Knicks alumni at our world-class MSG Training Center.”

Basketball fans 16 years of age and older are invited to submit a short video of 60 seconds or less showcasing how they “Train Like a Knick.” All content will be evaluated on originality, creativity and association with health and wellness. This may include specific basketball drills on rebounding and defense, stretching exercises or even making healthy food choices. Submissions will be accepted via HSS’s Facebook page until March 15, 2012. Five finalists will be selected and then fans across the country will have the opportunity to vote for their three favorites. In addition, each winner can invite up to four friends to “Train Like a Knick” too. One grand prize winner will also receive a VIP Knicks package.

“On behalf of HSS, we are proud to support the New York Knicks and are excited to bring this program and health and wellness messages to the fans,” said Lou Shapiro, President and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery. “Together we strive to help both the professional athlete and the ‘weekend warrior’ keep moving and stay injury-free.”

To enter the “Train Like a Knick!” contest, fans must first “Like” HSS on Facebook.  The “Train Like a Knick” contest is open to legal U.S. residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, at least 16 years old at time of entry, who reside within a 75-mile radius of Madison Square Garden.

About The Madison Square Garden Company

The Madison Square Garden Company is a fully-integrated sports, media and entertainment business. The Company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive the Company's overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that the company creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Connecticut Whale (AHL). MSG Sports also features the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis. MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Media consists of the MSG Networks (MSG, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) regional sports networks and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD), a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Entertainment is one of the country's leaders in live entertainment. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. These venues include Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.