DICK'S Sporting Goods & The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation Partner With DonorsChoose.org To Support And Fund Youth Sports Nationwide

PITTSBURGH, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DICK'S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), along with The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation, announced today a partnership with DonorsChoose.org, a leader in crowdfunding for U.S. public schools. For the first time ever, DonorsChoose.org will feature a dedicated "Team Sports" section supporting public school athletic programs. The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation, through its Sports Matter program, will match dollar-for-dollar, up to $1.5 million, once each team is funded 50 percent. This is part of a $25 million multi-year commitment by DICK'S and the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation to fund youth sports programs that are facing budget shortfalls. Teachers and coaches are encouraged to visit SportsMatter.org to apply for funding.

"During the inaugural year of our Sports Matter program, it became apparent that youth sports are in crisis," said Lauren Hobart, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, DICK'S Sporting Goods and President of The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation. "Saving youth sports is a core mission of our company, and we are excited to partner with DonorsChoose.org to keep more kids playing sports."

An estimated 27% of U.S. public high schools will not have any sports programs by 2020 (1). Studies show the positive influence sports have on student athletes, enabling them to have more success in school, build social skills and resist peer pressure.

"Our partnership with DICK'S Sports Matter program aligns perfectly with our mission to address inequity in schools nationwide," said Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org Founder and CEO. "Access to sports is an important part of a well-rounded education and it takes committed communities and companies like DICK'S to make a real difference in kids' lives." 

To continue the conversation around the youth sports funding crisis, DICK'S is hosting a thought leadership panel in New York City today to discuss the state of underfunded youth athletics. Pro Football analyst Jon Gruden will moderate, and panelists include U.S. Women's World Cup team captain Carli Lloyd, actor Michael B. Jordan, New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Minnesota Timberwolves and NBA No. 1 draft pick Karl-Anthony Towns, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Buzz Bissinger and UP2US CEO & Founder Paul Caccamo.

"Being part of a movement like this is something that really resonated with me last year, and I'm proud to be back to support DICK'S and its Foundation as we address the growing issue of underfunded youth athletics nationwide," said Jon Gruden.

For more information on Sports Matter, visit SportsMatter.org.

Source:(1) Up2Us Sports

About DICK'S Sporting Goods

Founded in 1948, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of May 2, 2015, the Company operated more than 610 DICK'S Sporting Goods locations across the United States, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops dedicated to Team Sports, Athletic Apparel, Golf, Lodge/Outdoor, Fitness and Footwear. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK'S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream and True Runner specialty stores. DICK'S offers its products through a content-rich eCommerce platform that is integrated with its store network and provides customers with the convenience and expertise of a 24-hour storefront.  For more information, visit the Press Room or Investor Relations pages at DICKS.com.

About The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation

The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation.  It was created by DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK'S charitable and philanthropic activities.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need.  Teachers at over 65 percent of all the public schools in America have created project requests, and more than 1.7 million people have donated $330 million to projects that inspire them. Over 14,826,382 students—most from low-income communities, and many in disaster-stricken areas—have received books, art supplies, field trips, technology, and other resources that they need to learn. Visit www.donorschoose.org/intro to hear Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert tell the DonorsChoose.org story.

Contact DICK'S Sporting Goods: [email protected]

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SOURCE DICK'S Sporting Goods