Hard Candy Fitness, the global luxury fitness brand founded by Madonna in partnership with New Evolution Ventures (NeV), announces the opening of Hard Candy Fitness Rome in early 2013. The brand has entered into a partnership with Dabliu, one of largest Italian networks in the fitness industry, to develop the Rome market. This first location will be a stunning 13,000 square foot club in the heart of Rome's historic center will be an inspiration for the club's members.

As Andrea Pambianchi, co-owner of Dabliu and Project Manager of Hard Candy Fitness Rome, stated, "After 16 years since our first step into the fitness industry, we are preparing to start a new and exciting adventure and once again revolutionizing the concept of fitness. In early 2013, we will open Hard Candy Fitness Rome, the world's most innovative fitness brand founded by Madonna."

The three story, amenity-packed club will include studios for yoga and group fitness, where the brand's exclusive Addicted to Sweat programs, which are based on the same routines Madonna uses to stay fit and were recently released on DVD, will be featured. The DVD series is currently available for purchase at www.AddictedToSweatDVD.com. Following the Hard Candy Fitness standard, a full selection of traditional group fitness classes will be offered, along with designated spaces for functional and personal training, and an espresso bar. Members can also enjoy a unique cycling studio resting in a balcony overlooking the club's main floor.

Mike Apple, SVP of International Business Development for Hard Candy Fitness commented, "We are thrilled to partner with Dabliu to bring the brand to the Italian market. Hard Candy Fitness Rome will showcase the brand's unique fitness approach and luxury atmosphere in one of the most historic, famous neighborhoods in the world."

For more information about the club and exclusive membership opportunities, visit www.hardcandyfitnessrome.it. The brand is expected to announce the opening of several other locations this year as it continues its expansion into destination cities around the world.

Ten primary schools have been completed as part of Madonna's ongoing commitment to support orphans and vulnerable children in poverty stricken Malawi, it has been announced today. The new schools are located in rural villages and will serve to educate 4,871 children.They are a result of the partnership between Madonna, her charity Raising Malawi and the global nonprofit buildOn. The ten schools, which were scheduled to be built over 18 months, have been completed six months ahead of schedule. Six of the schools are already in use and all ten will be up and running in January 2013 for the first day of school in the New Year. The project was originally announced early this year as a major initiative of Raising Malawi, which has already provided millions of dollars in support of orphanages, a network of orphan care service providers, health clinics, a scholarship program for girls, and the schools with buildOn.

The location for each school was chosen from a list of communities in need of new infrastructure. The Ministry of Education Office in the Kasungu District was an important partner, providing both the teachers and curriculum after each school was completed.

"I am overjoyed that my commitment along with buildOn's to help educate the children of Malawi has come to fruition. In a country where girls have little opportunity for education, it's additionally inspiring to know that more than half the students attending will be young girls. The fact that more than 4,800 children in Malawi will get to go to school next year is a tremendous step forward for their individual growth and the growth of Malawi," commented Madonna.

Consistently ranked among the world's 20 least developed countries on the UN's Human Development Index, Malawi has long been challenged by economic stagnation and a lack of access to education. With support from Madonna and Raising Malawi, buildOn was able double the reach of its school construction program within a year.

"Madonna's commitment to the children of Malawi is inspiring," said Jim Ziolkowski , founder and CEO of buildOn. "Through Raising Malawi's support we were able to build 10 schools that will educate literally generations of children who need it the most."

For more info about Raising Malawi, just click here