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NikeGO Wraps Up Year One
NikeGO Wraps Up Year One
Published 08-26-03
Submitted by Nike Inc.
Nike couldn't just stand by and watch while this national crisis worsened. To help reverse this trend, Nike created NikeGO, a national program offering thousands of children, ages 8-15 the support and motivation to become physically active, stay healthy and have fun. Studies show active kids are not only happier and healthier but also more likely to make positive life choices.
To jump-start the campaign nationally, Nike partnered with local Boys & Girls Clubs to launch a program designed for, and with the help of kids, that impacted youth in 32 clubs in 16 cities from New York to Hawaii through contributions of over $1.7 million in cash and product. Through other partnerships, Nike donated another 108 cash grants around the country totaling $5.5 million. Additionally, product donations worth over $4 million were awarded, bringing the grand total of all Nike contributions to over $11 million.
"Our mission is simple: to get kids moving," said Gary DeStefano, Nike President of USA Operations. "NikeGO is building momentum to create what we hope will become a larger social movement. It is a significant part of our commitment to inspire healthy lifestyles and physical activity among kids."
In its benchmark year, NikeGO brought motivation, equipment, enthusiasm, funds and programming to parks, schools and recreation centers across the country. The results were not surprising: given the facilities, opportunities and guidance, kids got going and had fun doing it. Here are just some of the ways NikeGO made a difference in the lives of kids throughout the U.S.:
"Our NikeGO Hiking Club and new canoeing program in Hawaii have been great ways to get our kids out and moving. These programs help the kids understand how much fun getting active, learning about nutrition and socializing together can be," says Mary Nakamura, Clubhouse Director, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii - Kapaa Clubhouse.
"These partnerships have created new opportunities for kids to get active and stay active over the long term," says Molly White, Director of U.S. Community Affairs. "The first anniversary marks the beginning of Nike's long-term commitment to help create healthier, happier and more successful kids. Year two, we are adding NikeGO programs for teachers and coaches, to reach beyond inactive kids to some of the people who can influence them."
This past year also marked the first year of Nike's ongoing commitment to install, upgrade and revamp courts and facilities throughout the United States. As part of the NikeGO Fund, Nike partnered with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) to renovate the soccer field at the Ross Snyder Recreation Center in Los Angeles. The donation represents an ongoing partnership between Nike and the USSF to increase kids' access to soccer on high-performance fields.
Stay tuned. On Sept. 8th, NikeGO and SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation) will kick off year two with the launch of PE2GO. This pilot program is designed to increase the quality and quantity of physical activity in schools across the U.S. where P.E. programs have been reduced or eliminated.
About NikeGO
NikeGO is Nike's long-term commitment to promote healthier kids through physical activity. The program's mission is to reach kids ages 8-15, offering them the support and motivation to become physically active, stay healthy and have fun. For more information about NikeGO and to obtain a copy of the NikeGO Annual Report, visit www.nikego.com.
About Nike, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer and marketer of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of hockey equipment, Cole Haan®, which markets a line of high-quality men's and women's footwear, accessories and outerwear, and Hurley International LLC, which markets actions sports and teen lifestyle apparel.
Nike Inc.
Nike Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com.
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