TODAY FINAL DAY TO SIGN UP FOR GO FOR IT! SHOW

Athletics, education and motivation will be presented in a highly technical and competitive package next week when the Go For It! road show arrives in Cape Girardeau.

"If you could imagine the biggest concert you've ever been to, add a huge laser show, athletics, dancers -- it's an incredible show," said Rachel Keller, director of marketing for Healthsouth in Cape Girardeau. "It is just unbelievable the noise, the screaming kids, the enthusiasm that's in their faces."

The Go For It! program has been traveling the country for the past three years as a free field trip program for kids.

The program, developed by Healthsouth and sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company and the Traveler's Group, brings together professional and Olympic athletes to talk to students about staying in school, avoiding drugs and developing good physical fitness.

Besides listening to the athletes, students also compete in games, trivia contests and an obstacle course with athletes as their coaches. They also are registered to receive a biannual newsletter and classroom curriculum to reinforce the program's message.

"It's really just a way for Healthsouth to give back to the community and to help kids," Keller said.

Friday is the last day to register for the free, hourlong program, which will be presented in three daily shows beginning Tuesday at the Show Me Center. Each show begins at 10 a.m.

About 13,500 students in third to eighth grades already have signed up to attend the program. The first two shows already have reached capacity. About 2,000 seats remain available for Thursday's presentation.

Professional football player Bo Jackson, chairman of Healthsouth's athletic council that developed the program, is scheduled to attend the Cape Girardeau shows, along with Olympic diver Jennifer Chandler.

The two are among over 100 athletes who volunteer time to host the road show.

"What's neat about this is they only have the best people involved, and not only the athletes," Keller said. "They've picked the industry's best in laser shows, and lights, stage crew and sound. They only have the best."

This is the first year Cape Girardeau has participated in the program, which generally is held in larger cities. The student base available throughout the region and a little luck were the reasons for this year's selection, Keller said.

"This is the smallest market it's ever been to," she said. "Cape is a growing market and the Healthouth here has been requesting the show for some time. We're just lucky enough to get it."

For more information or to reserve seats for Thursday's show, contact, contact Rachel Keller at (573) 334-6711.