Shaq Tries to Get Back a Dropout Next Week on Shaq's Big Challenge  7/4/07

KIT DROPS OUT, AND IT'S UP TO SHAQ TO CONVINCE HER DAD TO LET HER REJOIN THE PROGRAM, ON "SHAQ'S BIG CHALLENGE," JULY 10 ON ABC

"Episode 103" - As the kids near midway weigh-ins and fitness tests on the series, Shaq and his team face some of their biggest obstacles yet, and a devastating setback threatens the future of the program. Kit drops out of the series, and it's up to Shaq to convince her dad to let her return. But first he's got to convince him to let him in the house! In addition, Doc and Dale unveil their new proposal that teachers offer a daily 20 minutes of exercise with students during homeroom. And James and Tarik butt heads so much that Shaq must mediate, on "Shaq's Big Challenge," TUESDAY, JULY 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In "Shaq's Big Challenge," six obese youngsters -- Walter (285 lbs., 14 years old), Kit (263 lbs., 14 years old), Kevin (230 lbs., 13 years old), James (182 lbs., 11 years old), Ariel, (211 lbs., 14 years old) -- are put through the most intense, emotional and rewarding time of their young lives. Shaq is aided by six specialists: Shaq's own physician and trainer, Dr. Carlon "Doc" Colker, M.D.; personal trainer Tarik Tyler; nutritionist Joy Bauer; Miami Children's Hospital childhood obesity expert Dr. William Muiños, M.D.; Food Network celebrity chef Tyler Florence; and Shaq's Louisiana State University coach, Dale Brown. Together they go into the kids' homes and schools, then expand their scope to meet with the local school and government officials to develop and implement a wellness program for the children of the community, and later for the entire state of Florida.

This mission does not end with these six children. The goal is for every child in the local schools to take part in Shaq's plan. His dream team addresses the challenges of providing tasty, kid-friendly nutritious meals on a budget, as well as incorporating more exercise into the kids' days. For instance, physical education is no longer mandatory in many public schools across the U.S., so Shaq and his team will develop revolutionary programs to allow every child to get consistent exercise while at school. Once he has accomplished his mission at this school, Shaq and his team will have laid the groundwork to achieve their ultimate goal -- to create a fitness plan that could be accepted across the whole of Florida and serve as a template for the entire country. "Shaq's Big Challenge" will change the way we approach the health of a nation -- one child, one community, one state at a time, until we truly are a happier, healthier, fitter America.

Executive producers are Rick Ringbakk, Greg Goldman, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Coelen, Christopher Handy, Perry Rogers, Michael Parris and Stephen Lambert. The series is produced by RDF USA ("Wife Swap"). It is based on the hit UK series "Unfit Kids." "Shaq's Big Challenge" is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.