BC-US--TV-Nickelodeon-Obama, 2nd Ld-Writethru,0240
Nick giving `Big Help' award to first lady
AP Photo NYET575
NEW YORK (AP) -- First lady Michelle Obama is getting attention from the Nickelodeon kids' television network -- and it has nothing to do with green slime.
Nickelodeon said Thursday it will honor Obama at the Kids' Choice Awards with its "Big Help" award for her "Let's Move" campaign to help cut down on childhood obesity. She has taped a message for Saturday's show.
"For once we will see all the forces aligning -- not just to place blame, but in paving the way forward," said Marva Smalls, chief of staff for the MTV Networks and Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group.
Nick has been working with the first lady on the campaign, donating $3 million to school and after-school programs for physical play.
Obama's award starts Nickelodeon's "Millions on the Move" campaign. Over the next few months, Nickelodeon will feature public service announcements to encourage kids to stay active and to promote activities that would help the environment. Nick will also encourage community service and, in late summer, focus on a campaign to encourage preschoolers to be ready for school.
Not being present at the Kids' Choice Awards means the first lady will avoid being doused with slime, which Nick frequently does as a prank to people involved in its show.
She and her husband are competing in the category of "Cutest Couple," with the actors in the "Twilight" love triangle.
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