SPARQ was a US-based company started in 2004 to create a standardized test for athleticism called the 'SPARQ Rating' and to sell training equipment and methods to help improve athleticism focused on the high school athlete (an "SAT" for athletes). 'SPARQ' is an acronym; it stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness. "Nike SPARQ" was the name used under a marketing relationship between Nike and SPARQ, under which Nike sold a line of cross training footwear, apparel and equipment in the USA.
SPARQ's headquarters was in Portland, Oregon, with a distribution center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, until its sale to Nike in 2009 (Nike kept the distribution center open in Oconomowoc until March 2010). After the purchase, both the headquarters and distribution center were incorporated into Nike's operations.
Some of the products by SPARQ included medicine balls, agility drills, parachutes, slidesteppers, and hurdles.[1]
SPARQ's business were focused on the rating system and selling advanced functional fitness training equipment. The company did not own any training facilities or have any one specific training method. They provided training videos and tips from a number of top speed, strength and conditioning coaches on their website. SPARQ developed a training network made up of over 750 SPARQ Certified Trainers located throughout the country who were both independent coaches and trainers at chain performance centers. Some of the more well-known independent facilities included TopSpeed Strength & Conditioning in Kansas City, the Michael Johnson Performance Center in Dallas and Athletic Evolution in Massachusetts.