WHAM-O, Inc., the originator of innovative outdoor fun, announced August 19 that John Bisbal III of East Northport, N.Y., is the winner of the company's 60th anniversary Kid Inventor Contest. In saluting WHAM-O's storied, and sometimes "zany," history of redefining fun with off-the-wall toys and imaginative inventions, WHAM-O's Kid Inventor Contest encouraged kids between the ages of 6 and 17 to tinker, test, create and submit their ideas for the next great WHAM-O toy by visiting the contest Web site. After reviewing hundreds of submissions from the U.S. and Canada, John's submission scored highest, as determined by a panel of WHAM-O judges, in terms of originality, uniqueness of approach, marketability and mass appeal.
"Of all the great toy concepts we reviewed, John's was closest to WHAM-O's spirit of innovative outdoor fun, and its history of providing children and adults with imaginative toys that spark creativity and encourage social interaction," said Chris Guirlinger, WHAM-O's vice president of marketing and licensing. "We are very excited to work with John on the possibility of turning his winning concept into the next great WHAM-O toy."
The wining invention is designed for both outdoor and indoor use and tests the user's skill and aim by catapulting balls from a specially designed launcher. In addition to winning the $2,000 grand prize, John's invention will be reviewed for inclusion in WHAM-O's 2010 toy lineup, and if made, John will receive a portion of the profits from the manufacturing and distribution of his toy.
When asked what inspired him to create his invention, John answered, "I don't know. It just came to my head. I was reading Nick Magazine and there were only two days left until the end of the contest, so I said to my dad, 'let's try to come up with something,' and it just came to me."
Launched in January 2008, the WHAM-O 60th Anniversary Kid Inventor Contest was created to salute the inspirations that have resulted in some of WHAM-O's most enduring, popular toys such as the Frisbee, created by Walter Morrison after playing a game of "toss" with a popcorn lid; the Hula Hoop, inspired by an Australian kids' game involving bamboo rings; and the Super Ball, which came about when chemical engineer Norman Stingley unwittingly created a plastic product that bounced uncontrollably.
Headquartered in Emeryville, Calif., WHAM-O, Inc. has provided children and adults with innovative, imaginative toys that spark creativity and encourage social interaction and get kids playing for 60 years. Founded in 1948, and inheriting its name from the sound that its flagship product, the WHAM-O Slingshot, made when connecting with its target, WHAM-O Inc. continually redefines the concept of fun by remaining simple, uncomplicated and without age boundaries. WHAM-O makes simple, fun, affordable, interactive products for all seasons. The company's rich history and solid reputation for innovation, quality and value makes WHAM-O a dominant force in today's toy and sporting goods industries, and includes category leading brands such as the Slip 'N Slide, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack, and SnowBoogie. WHAM-O is also the exclusive licensee for SEA-DOO and SKI-DOO inflatable water and snow tubes, towables, islands and pool products. WHAM-O, along with its other brands MOREY and BZ Bodyboards and CHURCHILL Fins, designs and manufactures a core offering of more than 70 products that are carried by virtually every toy, sporting goods and mass retailer in the world.