Six Finalists Awarded Their “PROPS” from Cartoon Network

As part of its 2007 GET ANIMATED initiative, Cartoon Network has scoured the nation in search of real-world kids who demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment and accomplishment in sports, the arts or even a hobby.  After several hundred thousand online votes from viewers, the field of nominees has been narrowed down to just six finalists.  These finalists have thus been awarded “PROPS” from Cartoon Network, a mind-blowing experience that they will never forget and that might even take them to the next level.  On Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network will present PROPS, a one-hour special hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley that reveals how six finalists are surprised with a once-in-a-lifetime experience customized to each of their individual passions.  Encore airings of the special, produced by Meg TV, also will occur on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (ET/PT).

Earlier this year, kids and parents were invited to submit their entries to be voted as one of the most outstanding young talents in the nation.  Cartoon Network selected 16 top kids and profiled each of their talents online and on-air.  Viewers were enlisted to vote online for who they thought most deserved their “PROPS.”  The selected finalists are Kalani David (10), a skateboarder and surfer from Hawaii; Cole Citrenbaum (11), a virtuoso blues guitarist; Sarah (13) and Elizabeth (12) Means, two top-ranking tennis players/sisters; Nikko Turner (13), a rising young basketball star; Gunnar Boelman (13), a competitive drag racer; and Still Pending (Reed-11, Grant-11, Ian-12), a three-member rock band from Oregon.

Nikko Turner (Riverside, Calif.)

Thirteen-year-old basketball phenomenon Nikko is given a full day of personal instruction by expert trainers from the renowned Triple Threat Academy.  But it’s Golden State Warriors basketball player Baron Davis who gives Nikko a real surprise.  Nikko is given the chance to play one-on-one with the NBA All-Star pro for an hour, complete with game-friendly trash talking and all.  As the day wraps up, Nikko is also given a signed t-shirt by Davis.