Disney XD Teams Pro Athletes, Network Stars For Health-Themed Special

Disney XD will team with pro sports athletes to develop a special to encourage kids to get active.

The Aug. 13 special, TRYathalon will feature the NFL's Arian Foster, the WNBA's Candace Parker, the NBA's Kevin Love as they coach network stars from network series Kickin' It, Lab Rats and Pair Of Kings -- as well as special guest viewers -- as they compete in fun challenges that test their skills and teamwork, according to network officials.

The special, produced by Bunim/Murray Productions (Real World) is part of Disney's "Magic of Healthy Living" program which inspires kids and families to lead healthier lifestyles. Disney XD stars Leo Howard and Olivia Holt (Kickin' It), Billy Unger and Spencer Boldman (Lab Rats) and Doc Shaw and Adam Hicks (Pair of Kings) will appear in the special.

"Our Disney XD stars are trying something new - a triathlon with a twist -- to encourage young viewers to get active and to challenge themselves," according to David Levine, vice president and general manager for Disney XD Worldwide in as statement.

Online, the network will launch a "TRYit Challenger" where kids and parents can pledge to challenge themselves both physically and nutritionally. Also, Disney XD will launch a Summer TRYathlon Mash-up game where players can create their own outdoor games by choosing from equipment and playing fields, said the network.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.