The 18th Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk Raises $3.3 Million for Kids

THE 18^TH SKECHERS PIER TO PIER FRIENDSHIP WALK RAISES $3.3 MILLION FOR KIDS

Sugar Ray Leonard, Brooke Burke and Nate Simon join baseball icons Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros to rally thousands for children with special needs and education

THE 18TH SKECHERS PIER TO PIER FRIENDSHIP WALK RAISES .3 MILLION FOR KIDS | David Weinberg, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, actor Nate Simon, and Robin Curren celebrate the 2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk.

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 23, 2025 – In its 18^th year, the Skechers Foundation, Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and presenting sponsor Nickelodeon raised a record-breaking $3.3 million for children with special needs and education. Supported by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, celebrity TV host Brooke Burke, actor Nate Simon and baseball icons Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros, thousands gathered on Sunday for the heartwarming annual tradition of the pier-to-pier walk in Southern California’s South Bay.

“Our best-ever Sunday wasn’t just an incredible success—it’s the latest in a beautiful story that’s always been all about our kids,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers and co-founder of the Walk, which has raised $35 million to date for children with special needs, public schools, and national college scholarships. “When you look at the numbers—our annual 3.4-mile journey, 18 years running, the tens of thousands who take part in this every year—we have collectively walked more than a million miles, or 40 times around the planet for our youth. As incredible as that is, the impact of seeing our next generation realize the best version of themselves through our support is even more moving. From the tens of thousands of students who have benefited from improved schools and national college scholarships, to the children with special needs and young adults who will soon gather at our world-class Friendship Campus, every step we take shows them that the sky’s the limit.”

“A huge shout-out to our Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, all of our generous celebrity supporters who have come together for this important cause, and the many dedicated companies, volunteers and more than 24,000  registrants who are putting our kids first and making every day of their lives better.”

The annual Walk benefits the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center)—a $70 million, nearly 62,000-square-foot destination that offers neurodivergent young adults a safe, supportive place that can help them build their independence and find their purpose. Funded by the Skechers Foundation, Friendship Foundation and generous partners, the campus opens its doors on January 21, 2027, with a creative arts studio, culinary institute and recreation center, as well as life skills programming, early education and mentoring that will foster their personal growth while preparing them for meaningful professional opportunities.

The Campus also will serve as the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, expanding its reach, programming and impact. Originally serving 30 participants at one school through its original buddy program, the Friendship Foundation now engages with more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across Los Angeles County—partnering with nearly 100 schools, facilitating over 50 monthly programs and providing a six-week summer camp for children with special needs.

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk also has had a remarkable impact on education. Through public school education foundations, the event has contributed millions to reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers’ jobs. A portion of its proceeds regularly support the Skechers Foundation’s national college scholarship program, which has donated more than $3.5 million in scholarships to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.

The Walk featured an array of performers and characters interacting with the crowd—from musical band Full Circle Boys and the Clippers Spirit dance team to Care Bears and beloved Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob + Sandy, Paw Patrol Pups Marshall + Everest, and Tommy + Angelica from Rugrats. Shelter animals were also adopted on site through pet adoptions in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon and the generous companies and partners committed to changing our children’s lives—including Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong, Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Legends, Honda, Burlington Stores, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Chargers, Providence Little Company of Mary, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, Serta, F&M Bank, Herbalife, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Olipop, Cushman & Wakefield, BMO, and many more.

Get to know the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and its growing movement for our children at skechersfriendshipwalk.com, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Skechers Foundation

Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.

About Nickelodeon:

Nickelodeon, now in its 47^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is part of Skydance TV, a flagship division of Skydance Corporation (NYSE: SKYD).

About Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and more than 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500^® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Nickelodeon Playtime Unveils Reimagined 2.0 Flagship at Shenzhen OCT Harbour During National Day Golden Week

Nickelodeon Playtime Unveils Reimagined 2.0 Flagship at Shenzhen OCT Harbour During National Day Golden Week

Expanded two-level family destination combines immersive play, branded retail and Nickelodeon-themed dining across five globally loved franchises

SHENZHEN, China —October 2 — Play Culture Co., Ltd. today announced the grand opening of Nickelodeon Playtime 2.0, a fully reimagined flagship venue debuting October 1, 2026, to coincide with China's National Day Golden Week. The all-new experience occupies Levels 1 and 2 of OCT Harbour Shopping Centre in Shenzhen, marking the most significant expansion in the brand's six-year history.

A Major Upgrade: A New "Play + Retail + Dining" Family Destination

Since its debut at Shenzhen OCT Harbour in December 2020, Nickelodeon Playtime has built a loyal fan following through distinctive branded experiences and high-quality interactive attractions. Six years later, the venue is entering its next chapter with Nickelodeon Playtime 2.0. Spanning more than 2,000 square metres across two prime levels of the shopping centre, the new venue represents a substantial upgrade in both scale and guest experience. It brings together five globally recognized entertainment franchises — SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Garfield — within an integrated concept that combines immersive play, branded retail and Nickelodeon-themed dining. Guests will also find themed photo opportunities and exclusive merchandise, positioning the venue as a one-stop family entertainment destination.

Four Core Play Experiences

Nickelodeon Playtime 2.0 introduces four distinct play zones tailored to different ages and interests: a Digital Interactive Zone with responsive character technology, a Role-Play Zone with themed sets recreating beloved shows, an Active Adventure Zone with climbing structures and obstacle challenges for older children, and a Soft Play Zone with padded structures and a ball pit for younger children.

Five Immersive IP Worlds

Each franchise anchors its own themed world, from PAW Patrol's Adventure Bay and SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom to Dora's rainforest journey, a Ninja Turtles obstacle challenge and Garfield's comic-inspired photo moments. The venue further elevates its live entertainment with scheduled character meet-and-greets and expanded parent-child DIY workshops, giving families the chance to connect, create and capture memories together.

Nickelodeon-Themed Family Restaurant

The venue's newly upgraded, comic-inspired family restaurant connects directly to the entertainment space, blending classic comic-book aesthetics with contemporary design, including vibrant pop-art colors, iconic speech bubbles and hand-drawn graphics. Professional chefs have crafted a dedicated Nickelodeon Playtime 2.0 menu using high-quality, traceable ingredients, offering character-inspired mains, snacks and desserts that are both fun to eat and nutritious.

About Play Culture Co., Ltd.

Play Culture Co. Ltd. is dedicated to building and managing world-class family entertainment experiences in Asia. With an experienced team of international and local professionals with deep industry knowledge, Play Culture has successfully secured exclusive licenses from top international brands to develop themed location-based products with some of the most popular and valuable children’s IP’s in Asia.

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‘The Smurfs’ Season 4 Gets First Look as Peyo Productions Reunites With Nickelodeon, RTBF, Ketnet, KiKA and TF1

Ahead of the beloved characters' 70th birthday in 2028, the fourth season of the 2021 CG hit reboot is currently under production, with a first part planned for fourth quarter 2027

Smurfs Season 4 exclusive first look. Credits Peyo Productions – Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel – Ellipsanime Productions – KiKA – KETNET – RTBF – 2026

Peyo Productions, the production arm of Peyo Company, home of the beloved Smurfs characters, has confirmed that the fourth season of its 2021 global hit CG-animated series The Smurfs is currently in production, sharing a first-look at a colorful new setting, featuring the iconic legacy characters created by Peyo. The news was first reported by Variety.

The 52 11-minute episodes will be delivered in two parts, the first half at the end of 2027, while the second will air in 2028 as part of a joint anniversary year for the Smurfs characters, celebrating Peyo’s 100th birthday and the Smurfs 70th birthday.

Produced with French animation powerhouse Ellipse Animation, The Smurfs brings back together longtime European co-production broadcasters RTBF, Ketnet, KiKA, and TF1, as well as global partner Nickelodeon. Starting fourth quarter 2027, the partnering European broadcasters will premiere the new season in Germany (KiKA), France (TF1) and Belgium (Ketnet, RTBF), while Nickelodeon will premiere the series in the US before rolling out later in the rest of the world.

In Season 4 of The Smurfs, Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Jokey, and Storm take back the stage as the stakes get higher, the pranks wilder, and the magic more unpredictable.

“Our series has always been a character-driven series,” shares William Renaud, who’s been directing the show since 2021 and returns for this fourth season, along with head writers Peter Saisselin and Amy Serafin. “With more than 100 Smurfs, we have plenty of stories to play with. Going back to our main protagonists in this season also allows us to bring back the legacy of the original comic books, while still tackling modern topics in a comedic way.”

This season also marks a bold leap forward in the Smurfs universe, with the introduction an impactful Smurfies Village, previously introduced at the end of season 3.

Credits Peyo Productions – Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel – Ellipsanime Productions – KiKA – KETNET – RTBF – 2026

A vibrant new setting is filled with surprises and spirited Smurf girls, with Blossom, Storm and Willow becoming recurring characters in these fun-filled Smurfy adventures. “Their personalities aren’t tied to a function, but rather to emotions, or nature,” explains Renaud. “And their village mirrors this colorful, flower-filled state of mind.”

Combined, all these stories and character arcs directly connect with the series’ directing, continued Renaud. Fast-paced when necessary, and slower at other times, allowing the characters to shine while avoiding gratuitous and artificial staging, making children forget there’s a barrier between them and their favorite Smurfs.

“For me,” concludes Renaud, “the Smurfs are human beings like everyone else. They are guided by their emotions and humor, which is why kids love them so much. I mean, what could be more universal? They offer us a mirror to our flaws, like Chaplin in his time. They are not confined to a particular era, but rooted in humanity, and I think that’s the key to their enduring longevity.”

Nele de Wilde, executive producer and CCO Audiovisual & Music at Peyo Productions, agreed. “Truth be told, the Smurfs never cease to amaze us. Even after four seasons, there are still so many stories to be told, thanks to the legacy of Peyo. And while bringing the Smurfs to the screen in the last decades, we learned that the main characters like Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty and Baby are still among the most popular characters with kids.”

Instead of creating new characters, the team chose to create new stories with these existing ones. “As the saying goes, you don’t change a winning team.”

‘The Smurfs’ Season 3 key art, Credits Peyo Productions – Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel – Ellipsanime Productions – KiKA – KETNET – RTBF – 2026 | Peyo Company

The same goes for Peyo Productions’ longtime partners, still thrilled to be part of a success story. “The team truly brought ‘The Smurfs’ up to a totally smurfy new level, enlarging the world of the Smurfs with great stories that are bursting with fun and much-needed laughter in these times,” adds an enthused Sebastian Debertin, head of international content, acquisitions & co-productions at KiKA.

Paola Acosta Orjuela, animation co-production manager at RTBF, also lauded the balance Peyo Productions found with this new season, between staying true to the Smurfs’ identity and bringing something new.

That feeling was shared by Yann Labasque, director of youth programs at TF1 Group. “The Smurfs’ humor, energy and team spirit continue to captivate young audiences, and are a perfect fit for the playful, feel-good spirit of our children’s programming. Get ready for more fun-filled adventures!”

As the teams are heading back once again to Smurf village, De Wilde and Caroline Duvochel, executive producer and CEO at Ellipse Animation (which has worked for nearly 10 years on the series), underline together the great artists behind this one-of-a-kind European show.

“Most of the artists who worked with us are coming back to the project because they love playing with the Smurfs so much,” explained De Wilde. “And they keep sharing how fun it is to work on this series! For most, it’s a childhood dream. Also, a big shout out to our two in-house art directors, Luc Parthoens and Tom Cosijn, who make sure we stay true to the brand’s DNA and keep the top notch quality we have aimed for since the beginning.”

Smurfs fan around the world are in for many blue treats in the upcoming months. During the big anniversary coming in 2028 (70 years of Smurfs, 100 years of Peyo), Part 2 of Season 4 will be released, and Peyo Productions is working on more special content for this celebration year, which it will present at Mipcom.

Update (10/13) - From Señal News:

How will be the new season of "The Smurfs"?

Peyo Company and partners unveils first look for the 52 x 11’ CG-animated series, wich enters production alongside Ellipse Animation, Nickelodeon, RTBF, Ketnet, KiKA, and TF1 ahead of the franchise's 70th anniversary.

Peyo Productions and Ellipse Animation have unveiled the first look at Season 4 of "The Smurfs" (52x11’), following the renewal of co-production and broadcast agreements with Nickelodeon, RTBF, Ketnet, KiKA, and TF1. The new season will be delivered in two parts, launching in late 2027 and continuing into 2028 to align with the Smurfs' 70th anniversary and creator Peyo’s 100th birthday celebration.

The fourth season, directed by William Renaud alongside head writers Peter Saisselin and Amy Serafin, centers on core characters Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Jokey, and Storm, while expanding on the colorful Smurfies Village introduced in Season 3. Broadcast deliveries will commence in Q4 2027 on TF1 (France), RTBF and Ketnet (Belgium), and Nickelodeon globally, followed by KiKA in Germany in 2028.

William Renaud, Director said: “The Smurfs has always been a character-driven series, and with more than 100 Smurfs, we have plenty of stories to play with. Going back to our main protagonists in this season also allows us to bring back the legacy of the original comic books, while still tackling modern topics in a comedic way. And as for our Smurf girls, it was key for us that they’d have their own identity. Their personalities aren’t tied to a function, but rather to emotions, or nature. My idea has always been to stay true to the story and the characters, avoiding gratuitous and artificial staging.”

“While bringing the Smurfs to the screen, we learnt that the main characters like Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty and Baby are still amongst the most popular characters with kids. For this new season, instead of creating new characters, we felt it would be better to create new stories with our existing ones,” said Nele de Wilde, Executive Producer and CCO Audiovisual & Music at Peyo Productions.

Caroline Duvochel, CEO of Ellipse Animation, added: “Now in its fourth season, the magic of the Smurfs continues to work its wonders! The teams at Ellipse Animation are especially proud to have been contributing for nearly 10 years to this extraordinary series, driven by the humor, adventure, and optimism that lie at the heart of the universe created by Peyo.”

Sebastian Debertin, Head of International Content, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, KiKA: “What a pleasure to bring this hilarious and outstanding series with the co-production of the 4th season and the two specials back to the German audiences, especially in the light of the upcoming 30th anniversary of KiKA in 2027! ... Amy Serafin and Peter Saisselin truly brought the Smurfs up to a totally smurfy new level and enlarged the world of the Smurfs with great stories that are bursting with fun and laughter!”

Yann Labasque, Director of Youth Programs, TF1 Group: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Peyo Productions and Ellipse Animation and bring the Smurfs back to TFOU for a fourth season. Their humour, energy and team spirit continue to captivate young audiences and are a perfect fit for the playful, feel-good spirit of our children’s programming.”

Paola Acosta Orjuela, Animation Co-production Manager, RTBF: “RTBF is very happy to continue this long-standing collaboration with the Smurfs, a strong Belgian brand that continues to resonate with audiences. Over the years, we have built a relationship based on trust and teamwork... What I love about this new season is the balance between staying true to the Smurfs’ identity and bringing something new, with humour still at the heart of the series.”

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From Señal News:

“We approach the characters and the stories in a very contemporary way”

William Renaud, Director of "The Smurfs" Season 4, discusses the creative direction for the upcomings series, detailing how contemporary themes, the introduction of the Smurfies Village, and character-driven storytelling keep the iconic franchise globally resonant.

Co-produced by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel, the acclaimed 3D CGI series "The Smurfs" is preparing its fourth season for a 2027 debut. Produced by Véronique Culliford alongside executive producers Nele de Wilde and Caroline Duvochel, the upcoming 52x11’ installment builds on the original work created by Peyo. In this interview, William Renaud, Director of "The Smurfs" – Season 4, breaks down how the new season balances classic comic strip fundamentals with contemporary themes, introduces new emotional dynamics through the Smurfies, and maintains the universal human appeal that has driven the property's enduring global legacy across generations.

“The Smurfs” – Season 4 promises higher stakes, wilder pranks, and unpredictable magic. What are the key narrative dynamics and new adventures that viewers can expect in this upcoming installment?

“The narrative elements used in the fourth series are the same as in the previous series. The stories are mostly character driven. This means that the character is the driving force behind their own story and with over 100 Smurfs to choose from, we’re spoilt for choice. For this fourth series, we’ve also based ourselves on the fundamentals of the comic strips, by focusing stories on Gargamel and other main characters from the original Smurf books. We’ve also broached more contemporary themes like fake news, taking care of the environment and robotics, to ground the series in our times.”

A major highlight this season is the introduction of the Smurfies Village. What was the creative and strategic vision behind incorporating this vibrant new setting and its new characters into the franchise?

“It seemed obvious to us that, like in the comic strips, our 100 Smurfs need their female counterparts. But we didn’t want the female characters to just be a mirror image of the Smurf universe. We wanted the Smurfies to have their own identity, which is why their personalities aren’t the same as the Smurf ones, where they’re linked to a function or a personality trait. The Smurfies’ personalities are linked to emotions or nature. Their village doesn’t look like a clearing in the forest, but rather like a beautifully colored garden filled with flowers.”

With Gargamel returning to his most cunning and menacing self, how did you balance the show’s traditional slapstick humor and heart with more action-driven, high-stakes storytelling for today's audience?

“We approach the characters and the stories in a very contemporary way, which is why the series appeals to all generations. The themes are both deeply human and universal, they pull on the heart strings of the viewers. And emotions don’t change, even in a constantly evolving world. Moreover, the scenography serves the narrative: it has rhythm when needed and then slows down at other times. The idea is to stick with the story that is being told and what the character is going through, and to avoid gratuitous and artificial theatrical effects. The camera has to be from the point of view of the viewer, so that they can forget that there is a screen between them and the story that is being told.”

Spanning over six decades of global success, what do you think lies at the very core of The Smurfs’ enduring legacy across generations?

“To come back to what I was saying earlier, the Smurfs are humans like you and I. They are guided by their emotions and by humour - and there is nothing more universal than that. They serve as a mirror of our failings, like Chaplin back in the day. They’re not locked in the past, they’re grounded in humanity. I think that’s the main explanation for their longevity,”.

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Originally published: October 09, 2026.

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Avatar Legends Add-On Now Available In the Minecraft Marketplace

From the official Minecraft newsroom:

Master the elements of your worlds with Avatar Legends

Everything changed when this add-on dropped…

Well, maybe not everything. But this add-on inspired by the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender does introduce truly mind-bending stuff into your Minecraft worlds. Ever wanted to wield water, fire, air and earth to traverse your worlds, transform their landscapes, and fight enemies? Or set off on a quest to discover fabled temples and evolve your abilities? 

Well, it’s all possible in this add-on! In Avatar Legends, you are the avatar: a chosen one, capable of bending all four elements to your will. Can you learn all the techniques, master the elements, find balance… or even unlock the fabled Avatar State? 

To answer those questions, you must embark on a journey across many nations biomes, discover the scattered elemental temples, and learn from the Avatar Spirits within… and maybe finish reading this blog. 

Elemental Bending

At the core of the add-on are the many element-based abilities and bending powers – or what is, in the world of Avatar, cleverly dubbed elemental bending. Each element has 3 “techniques” players can learn, which will be very familiar to fans of the Avatar series! Players can pull up an earth wall, create water arms that work like grappling hooks, use fire jets to work something like a jetpack, or create a powerful attack with a whirling air tornado!  

Picking up different elemental bending abilities also grants a passive ability for each element: for example, mastering a fire bending technique gives players resistance to fire damage. You’ll have to delve into the add-on to discover all its secrets!  

Seek out the masters

However cool-as-flameo it may be to use Fire Sweep to ignite enemies, the heart of this adventure is your journey to become a fully-fledged avatar. To find Avatar Spirits who will teach you elemental bending techniques, you’ll have to journey across different biomes to locate the elemental temples scattered here and there, in which they reside. Can you guess in what kind of environments each temple would be?  

But learning the techniques is just one part of the journey! You’ll have to use your abilities, interact with the world, and even engage with the unique meditation system in order to hone your powers. Find meditation points at temples – there, you can spend mastery points on learning new bending techniques. Or craft your own meditation point for easier access. 

The Avatar State

Achieving ultimate balance is no cakewalk, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded by mastering the Avatar State: a state of practical invincibility, and the ability to use even stronger bending techniques, limitlessly. Before then, this state only comes into effect when you take what should have been fatal damage, and it activates for a short duration. How useful (and dramatic)! 

The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step – or in this instance, one click. So why don’t you click here to head over to the Minecraft Marketplace and grab the Avatar Legends add-on today! 

Avatar Legends add-on | Minecraft

Become the Avatar in Minecraft with the Avatar Legends add-on! Pick your first element, then discover temples and learn from Avatar Spirits to master all four. Unlock 12 techniques in earth, fire, water, and air, and unlock the Avatar State for temporary invincibility. Between adventures, don't forget to head to the Dressing Room and claim your free Blue Spirit mask Character Creator item!*

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Skechers Aims to Raise $3 Million In Donations for Kids at 18th Annual Pier to Pier Friendship Walk

SKECHERS AIMS TO RAISE $3 MILLION IN DONATIONS FOR KIDS AT 18TH ANNUAL PIER TO PIER FRIENDSHIP WALK

Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard and more unite with Skechers Foundation for California’s largest walk of its kind, benefiting children with special needs, schools and scholarships—creating opportunities for the next generation.

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 13, 2026 – The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk returns for its 18th year on Sunday, October 18, for a day filled with kindness, love, and inclusion with Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, and more to raise $3 million for children with special needs, public schools and national college scholarships. This year’s Walk comes at a milestone moment as the Friendship Campus in Redondo Beach, California prepares to open in January 2027, creating a future where every individual can belong, learn and thrive.

“Thanks to the Walk, we have had 18 years of positive change in our community—from seeing the Friendship Foundation flourish to improving our public schools and helping students pursue their college dreams. Now, the Friendship Campus is taking that impact to an entirely new level,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers and co-founder of the Walk, which has raised more than $32 million to date for children. “We’re creating a first-of-its-kind center where neurodivergent young adults who once had few options after high school can continue their journey, build independence and find their purpose. The Friendship Campus will create a culture of hope, opportunity and belonging—a safe, supportive place where they can be encouraged, inspired and realize their potential.”

Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Yossi Mintz and Friendship Foundation kids, Clayton Kershaw and family, Michael Greenberg, Robin Curren, and Amanda Summer Villapando at the 2025 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. Photo credit: Getty Images for Skechers

“Through our Friendship Campus and annual Walk, we are writing the book on what empathy, generosity and compassion can look like when put into action—and how a community coming together can create meaningful change that resonates across generations. Our hope is that what we’re building here can serve as a blueprint for communities everywhere to help all of our youth thrive.”

Planned for completion next month with a grand opening set for January 21, 2027, the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center) is a $70 million, nearly 62,000-square-foot destination dedicated to supporting young adults with special needs. Funded by the Skechers Foundation, Friendship Foundation and generous partners, the campus features a creative arts studio, culinary institute and recreation center, as well as life skills programming, early education and mentoring. Through hands-on learning, workplace practices and skill development, the campus will foster personal growth while preparing for meaningful professional opportunities.

Over 19 years, the Friendship Foundation has grown from serving just 30 participants at one school through its Buddy Program to reaching more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across Los Angeles County—partnering with nearly 100 schools, facilitating over 50 monthly programs, and providing a six-week summer camp. The Foundation’s new headquarters at the Friendship Campus will significantly expand the organization’s reach, programming and impact.

The Walk also has made a transformative impact on public education, providing critical funding to education foundations to help reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers’ jobs. Since 2017, the Skechers Foundation’s national college scholarship program has also contributed a portion of the event’s proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership; to date, the program has donated more than $3.5 million in scholarships.

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk will feature a performance by Full Circle Boys and appearances by Clippers Spirit, as well as the Care Bears and beloved Nickelodeon characters, SpongeBob + Sandy, Paw Patrol Pups Marshall + Everest, and Tommy + Angelica from Rugrats, who will mingle with the crowd throughout the event. This year’s festivities will also include a pet adoption fair in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.

In addition to Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke and Sugar Ray Leonard, the Walk has been supported by celebrities, entertainers and athletes over the years including Martha Stewart, Mr. T, Amanda Kloots, Howie Long, Meb Keflezighi, Jimmy Kimmel, Denise Austin and Camila Alves-McConaughey—as well as dozens of Young Hollywood stars from Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, Apple TV+ and Hulu, including Logan Shroyer, Lily Brooks O’Briant and more.

The 2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong,

Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Legends, Honda, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Chargers, Providence Little Company of Mary, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, Serta, F&M Bank, Herbalife, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Olipop, Cushman & Wakefield, and BMO, and the many companies and community partners whose support helps make the annual event possible.

Sponsors, walkers and virtual participants can sign up in person at the event or online at skechersfriendshipwalk.com. Follow the Walk on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

 

About Skechers Foundation

Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.

 

About Paramount+

Paramount+ is the global flagship streaming home of premium original series and entertainment from some of the most enduring brands in television to subscribers around the world. Drawing on decades of beloved IP, Paramount+ also features a diverse offering of live sports, feature films, news and series from across the Paramount portfolio including CBS hits like Marshals and Tracker, all BET Original Series, the Avatar animated universe from Nickelodeon and more. It is a key pillar of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), whose portfolio spans Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and Skydance Animation, Games and Sports divisions. For more information, visit www.paramount.com.

 

About Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

Skechers, Where Comfort is a Technology™, is based in Southern California and designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Skechers collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and more than 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500^® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Nickelodeon to Premiere New 'Smurfs Adventures' Special 'The Great Magic Showdown' on October 12

Nickelodeon will be treating viewers to a magical brand new Smurfs special this Halloween!

'The Great Magic Showdown' Development Art - The Smurfs Standalone Episodes 2026 © Peyo Productions - All Rights Reserved

Nickelodeon is set to premiere "The Great Magic Showdown," the first of two brand new standalone Smurfs Adventures specials based on the iconic blue characters created by Peyo, on Monday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT)!

In the all-new special, Papa Smurf is invited by the great wizard Homnibus to take part in the creation of the philosopher’s stone, when a strange participant appears–the magician Radicchio, who has many similarities with Gargamel.

In addition to "The Great Magic Showdown," Nickelodeon has also acquired the rights to the second Smurfs Adventures special, "An Unexpected Arrival." Both specials are set to air on Nickelodeon channels worldwide.

To celebrate the upcoming debut, Animation Magazine has a first look at the trailer for one of the two announced specials.

Smurfs Adventures are new 22-minute standalone episodes that take our little blue friends on big new adventures far from the borders of the Smurf Village.

Smurfs Adventures [Peyo Company]

The Great Magic Showdown - Smurfs Adventures [Peyo Company]

The Great Magic Showdown - Smurfs Adventures [Peyo Company]

The Great Magic Showdown - Smurfs Adventures [Peyo Company]

The Great Magic Showdown - Smurfs Adventures [Peyo Company]

In “The Great Magic Showdown,” Papa Smurf is honored to be invited by the great Homnibus to take part, with other witches and wizards, in the creation of the philosopher’s stone. As he joins this prestigious council, a strange participant knocks on the door of Homnibus’ Castle: the magician Radicchio. Suspicious, Papa Smurf leads an inquiry into who this stranger really is…

The specials are produced by Peyo Company in collaboration with animation studios Blue Spirit (part of Studio TF1, France) and Dreamwall (Belgium). The new adventures are based on the works of Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) — the characters were first introduced in 1958.

Find out more about the new Smurfs Adventures specials below!:

Nickelodeon is set to bring Smurfs Adventures to children and long-standing fans of the beloved blue characters alike globally.

A year after announcing its two standalone episodes, Smurfs Adventures, Peyo Company returns to Annecy with exciting news for fans. Both standalones will air globally on Nickelodeon, a long-time partner of Peyo Company and broadcaster of the hit 2021 CG series. In Belgium, RTBF and Ketnet have also confirmed their partnership, bringing Smurfs Adventures to children and long-standing fans of the beloved blue characters alike.

As Peyo Company—founded by Peyo’s daughter, Véronique Culliford, to ensure the continuation of Peyo’s legacy—celebrates the 45th anniversary of the classic Hanna-Barbera series The Smurfs, these two brand-new TV adventures take the iconic blue heroes beyond their village to face new challenges, while staying true to the core values of laughter, excitement and friendship that have defined The Smurfs since their creation in 1958 and their TV reboot in 2021.

Spanning multiple genres, these standalone episodes add new depth to the fast-paced, highly engaging Smurfs Adventures, raising the stakes for the well-known characters of the Smurfs universe.

The first new adventure, "The Great Magic Showdown," unfolds during a magical competition featuring wizards from around the world. As expected, the spotlight falls on the evil wizard Gargamel, reminding fans of the Smurfs why he is so determined to capture them at any cost.

In the second standalone episode, "An Unexpected Arrival," fans worldwide will be introduced to a brand-new character: Baby Smurfie, an adorable little girl with a sweet yet mischievous personality and a head full of (not-so-innocent) ideas. The Smurfs—and Smurfies—are in for quite an adventure. As the team prepares to bring the next blue wave of Smurfs to the lakeside town of Annecy, Peyo Company has also announced a "Smurfs Adventures" social teaser, which will be revealed soon.

Nele De Wilde, Executive Producer, CCO Audiovisual & Music at Peyo Company, said: “These standalone episodes were born from a real demand from our partners for additional content between seasons. At the same time, they gave us the opportunity to do something different: a 22-minute format that allows for richer storytelling and a higher level of ambition both narratively and visually. We are genuinely thrilled with the quality of what has been achieved thanks to our talented teams—from our directors to all the studios and artists involved. These Smurfs Adventures have strong potential, and we feel we’ve only just scratched the surface, with many more stories still to come. Working again with partners such as Nickelodeon and RTBF has been a real pleasure, and their support helps ensure that the Smurfs continue to be a meaningful part of audiences’ lives around the world.”

Finally, Paola Acosta, Animation Commissioning Manager at RTBF, added: “The Smurfs have an extraordinary ability to reinvent themselves while remaining unmistakably true to who they are. RTBF is proud to support this new adventure, which proves that timeless characters can continue to evolve, inspire and capture the hearts of audiences around the world.”

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: October 03, 2026.

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'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Pack to Launch In 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' on October 14

Master the elements and claim victory by bending the racetrack in your favor when Avatar Aang and Katara enter the race! The Avatar Legends Pack arrives in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on Wednesday, October 14! Can't wait? The Lion Turtle Island course is now available to play! Yip yip!

Avatar: The Last Airbender joins SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the game.

Check out the official Avatar Legends x Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds trailer here!

Avatar Legends Pack Coming October 14! | Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds | SEGA Asia(EN)

AANG and KATARA hit the racetrack in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds!

Lion Turtle Island course is also now available to play!

Racers: AANG, KATARA

Machine: Gliding Air

Course: Lion Turtle Island

------------------------------

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Available Now!

------------------------------

No two races are alike in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds!

Buckle up for high-octane, unpredictable racing fun.

Zoom across land, sea, air, and—with the help of the Travel Ring—worlds! Create your ultimate ride, harness different items and leave the competition in the dust! With all kinds of offline and online modes available, get ready to go full throttle with or against other racers from around the world!

▼A ton of collaboration racers joining the lineup!

In Season One, the Digital Deluxe Edition and Season Pass brought CrossOver racers from other dimensions with the Minecraft Pack, SpongeBob SquarePants Pack, PAC-MAN Pack, Mega Man Pack, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack, and Avatar Legends Pack. Plus, free updates introduced other popular guest racers, including Hatsune Miku, Joker (Persona 5 Royal), Ichiban Kasuga, Goro Majima (Captain Majima), Red (Angry Birds), and Arle (Puyo Puyo)!

Now, Season Two is revving its engine to further expand the roster. Pick up Season Pass Two for 6 brand-new CrossOver DLC packs, including Godzilla and Evangelion. In addition, Bayonetta will be speeding onto the track as the first free update character. We're still accelerating. Don't miss the next surprise!

▼Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Website

URL：https://asia.sega.com/SonicRacingCrossWorlds/en/

▼Sonic the Hedgehog Official Website

https://asia.sega.com/SonicTheHedgehog/en/

▼Official SNS

 Facebook: https://facebook.com/sonicofficial.asia

 YouTube:  • Sonic the Hedgehog

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Listen to the official A:TLA podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements!

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Subscribe to the official Avatar: The Last Airbender YouTube channel!

More Nick: Nickelodeon Orders 'Avatar: Seven Havens' Animated Series!

Originally published: October 10, 2026.

#sonic #sonicthehedgehog  #hedgehog #ShadowtheHedgehog  #SonicRacingCrossWorlds #SonicRacingCW

Games

H/T.

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PAW Patrol Live! 'The Great Pirate Adventure' | Panama | October 2026 | Nickelodeon Latin America

Anuncio | PAW Patrol en vivo en Busca del Tesoro | Nickelodeon Latinoamérica

11 de Octobre

11:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m.

Teatro Anayansi

Panama

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Más Nick: Spin Master celebra 25 años de la icónica Dora la Exploradora de Nickelodeon con una nueva colección de juguetes inspirada en la exitosa serie animada original para preescolares de Paramount+!

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Nickelodeon and The Association of Children’s Museums to Host Our World: Worldwide Day of Play 2026 on Sept. 26

It’s time to play!

Our World: Worldwide Day of Play

is on September 26, 2026!

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and its member museums are pleased to partner with Nickelodeon on the 2026 Our World: Worldwide Day of Play. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this global event focuses on getting children and their families active!

ACM and Nickelodeon share values of: encouraging children to play; engaging parents in enabling their child's play; creating access to experiences that improve children's health (mental and physical), wellbeing, agency, resilience, and empathy; and creating a world where all children thrive.

MUSEUMS:

Registration opens soon for the 2026 Day of Play!

ACM looks forward to seeing how your museum will encourage and highlight the ways play can build kids’ agency and confidence.

Limited Funding Available

ACM and Nickelodeon are pleased to help support ACM and Museums for All members in offsetting the costs of hosting an event. A limited amount of funding is available on a first-come/first-serve basis. At this time, all stipends for 2025 have been awarded. 

For additional information, please email mdeveryconsulting@gmail.com.

Looking for an event near you?

A list of events taking part in 2026 Our World: Worldwide Day of Play can be found at https://childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay/.

For more information about Our World: Worldwide Day of Play 2026, visit https://childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay/.

For more information about Nickelodeon Our World, visit https://www.nickourworld.com.

Find a children’s museum near you to visit your nearest children’s museum for more fun!

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: May 26, 2026.

H/T: WMBD.

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