As the New England Patriots continue their quest for Super Bowl XLVII, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and the Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy have announced a partnership to promote Financial Football, a free NFL-themed on-line game and curriculum that rewards personal financial knowledge through virtual first downs and touchdowns.
The game lets fans of all ages choose the Patriots as their team and play against the computer or each other, tackling topics ranging from understanding debt to saving for college.
"We're proud to be involved with NFL 'Financial Football.' Play this on-line game to support the Pats and promote financial literacy. Every time you win a game, the Pats get a vote in a national poll as you learn more about protecting yourself against financial pitfalls," said Mollis.
A win for the Patriots, or any other NFL team is recorded on the national leader board. Going into Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, New England is number one in the nation. The Ravens are fourth.
"This is the perfect time to capitalize on Patriots' playoff fever to promote financial literacy. 'Financial Football' turns important lessons about money management into a fun family activity," said Mollis. "Keeping the Pats on top is a wonderful educational expression of our support for our home team."
The Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition and Mollis will formally kick off the campaign to improve the financial literacy of young people at Cumberland High School this Thursday, where he will play the game with students and stress the importance of heading into adulthood with a thorough understanding of personal finances.
On partnering with Mollis to promote 'Financial Football' in Rhode Island, Jim Hedemark, executive director of the Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition, explains, "Like the longtime Pats fan who wore the old logo, Ralph Mollis was a promoter of personal financial education before it became politically popular to do so. Since 2005, he has been a cheerleader for the Coalition's efforts. We're proud that he's quarterbacking this campaign."
In addition to the web-based game, Financial Football is also available as a free iPhone app on iTunes as well as an optimized iPad version.
The centerpiece of Visa's nationwide educational initiative with the NFL and NFL PLAYERS, 'Financial Football' helps students and adults tackle their financial futures. The game is part of Practical Money Skills for Life, a free, award-winning financial education program that reaches millions of people around the world each year.
The Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition first kicked off the state's Financial Football campaign in 2007 with Visa, Wes Welker and Dan Koppen of the New England Patriots at a special press conference in the Patriots locker room at Gillette Stadium. This free financial literacy on-line educational tool has been received with enthusiasm by fans ranging from children to CPAs in classrooms and conferences for over five years in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a nonprofit organization comprised of academic, business, civic and labor leaders founded in May 2004 with the purpose of increasing the personal financial capabilities of the people of the Ocean State. For more information, visit www.rijumpstart.org.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293
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