The Shaq Hits the Fan Next Week on "Shaq's Big Challenge"  6/27/07

WHEN THE KIDS SLACK OFF ON THEIR WORKOUTS AND LIE TO HIM ABOUT IT, THE SHAQ HITS THE FAN, ON "SHAQ'S BIG CHALLENGE," JULY 3 ON ABC

"Episode 102" - The Shaq hits the fan when he confronts the kids about slacking off on their fitness regime. He shows them hidden-camera videos that expose the lies they've been telling about working out, when they've actually been goofing off or not even showing up for exercise time. Shaq introduces his new weapon in his battle for their health -- a take-no-prisoners personal trainer, Tarik Tyler, who immediately makes his presence felt. Kit is so overcome with emotion during the training, she collapses and is taken away in an ambulance -- is she alright, and will she return? In addition, Shaq adds nutritionist Joy Bauer to his dream team, and she visits Chris' family to show his mom how to cook one of their favorite Cuban dishes in a light, healthy way, on "Shaq's Big Challenge," TUESDAY, JULY 3 (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 parental guideline.

Source: ABC Press Release