10-Year-Old K'NEXpert Winner Receives $10,000 for 6,500-Piece Creation, 'Belly of the Beast'

Amazing 7-Foot Dragon-Themed Working Roller Coaster Wins Annual Contest Sponsored by K'NEX, a Leading Made-in-U.S.A. Construction Toy Manufacturer

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2007 -- K'NEX Brands, one of the world's leading construction toy manufacturers and recipient of a 2008 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Lead Free Platinum Award, announced today the Grand Prize winner and nine finalists of its 2008 K'NEXpert Search. The contest, which asks kids to submit original designs made entirely out of K'NEX pieces, was won by 10-year-old Ian Culhane, who was awarded a $10,000 U.S. savings bond to use toward his college education for his creation, Belly of the Beast. Nine additional finalists each received a $1,000 U.S. savings bond.

"The K'NEXpert contest brings out the best and brightest K'NEX fans," said K'NEX president Michael Araten. "I'm constantly amazed at the ingenuity of these awe-inspiring creations that seem to get more complex each year," he said, noting that K'NEX in 2008 will introduce a K'NEXpert-inspired construction set.

Belly of the Beast, a seven-foot-tall working roller coaster with a jaw- dropping dragon-like creature attached to it, took center stage at the event, having been shipped all the way from Ian's hometown of Olympia, Washington -- with all 6,500 K'NEX pieces intact.

Ian was honored along with nine finalists. They are: Ryan Deemter (Hudsonville, MI); Victor de Fontnouvelle (Wellesley, MA); Jack Felt (China Township, MI); Tim Gibson (Perkasie, PA); Kyle Hunt (El Cerrito, CA); Scott Landes (Lansdale, PA); Stephen Morawski (Sterling, MI); Brendan Parker (Livonia, MI); Christian Taylor (Wichita, KS).

K'NEX is the world's most innovative construction toy company. As the winner of more than 200 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX encourages youngsters to "imagine, build and play." The K'NEXpert Search is an annual contest that asks kids to design an ultra-creative, original model made entirely from K'NEX parts.

About K'NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K'NEX Brands was established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K'NEX Education program. For more information, please visit www.knex.com.