Taken from http://tokyogameaction.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34748#post34748

"For the past 5 years, Tokyo Game Action's mission has been to use Japanese games as an alternative to crime and drugs, for America's youth and adults, while promoting physical fitness and building personal relationships within the community. We are happy to report that we have taken this program one step further by formally extending TGA services to the local Winchendon School system.

Tokyo Game Action is proud to announce the creation of the "Fitness through Dance Dance Revolution and Bemani program". This program was developed by Tokyo Game Action for the Winchendon School system and the 21st Century program. The first phase of the program began approximately one year ago when Tokyo Game Action purchased and coordinated a physical fitness program through the use of consumer versions of DDR at the school. The program has now evolved into an after school program, in which the students will use the actual DDR arcade hardware on location at TGA.

The program will take place every Friday afternoon, after school, at Tokyo Game Action.

Through Dance Dance Revolution and the other Bemani / Music simulation games at TGA, students will participate in a physical and music education program.

They learn first hand, the physical benefits DDR can bring combined with proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. Besides the physical benefits, the students will also learn fundamental rhythm skills, while building self confidence and learning teamwork and developing social skills.

The students will also gain an understanding and an appreciation of the Japanese culture through exposure to the language and customs contained within DDR and the other Japanese games at Tokyo Game Action.

The program is being funded by the Department of Education trough a grant from the 21st Century Program. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

The program will begin Friday October 17th, 2008. All members coming to TGA on Fridays will be encouraged to use their expertise to show support and assist the students while learning the basics of DDR and the other rhythm games at TGA. In other words, come down and help out!!

Thanks everyone!

Andy"