Company hosts 40+ local events to give back across its entire footprint
KATY, Texas, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to delivering legendary value and undefeatable prices this holiday season, Academy Sports + Outdoors ("Academy" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ASO) is also focused on making a positive impact in local communities. Throughout the holidays, Academy hosted more than 40 giving events, including at least one in each of its 21-state footprint, and welcomed over 500 local families and kids into its stores to shop for great holiday gifts.
Shaquille O’Neal and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department made the season brighter for the Boys & Girls Club of Henry County.
The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation joined local youth for a day of fun.
Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu partnered with the Houston Police Department to spread holiday cheer with local kids. Photo credit: Houston Astros.
The Greensboro Swarm teamed up with the YMCA of Greensboro to share smiles and holiday cheer.
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana for a shopping spree full of fun, and holiday spirit. Photo credit: Indianapolis Colts.
Dallas running back Javonte Williams and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas made this holiday season unforgettable. Photo credit: Dallas Cowboys.
"Bringing joy and creating meaningful experiences is what Academy is all about," said Meredith Klein, Vice President of Communications at Academy Sports + Outdoors. "We're honored to help families create lasting memories and grateful to partner with organizations that made this special season possible."
To help bring fun to local families, Academy facilitated a series of events and donations including:
Distributed more than $135,000 in gift cards to local kids and families,
Held 40+ charitable giving events,
Surprised unsuspecting shoppers by purchasing nearly $72,000 of holiday gifts to fulfill their wish lists, and
Partnered with several dozen organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Shaquille O'Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, just keep livin Foundation, Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, Greensboro Swarm, a dozen local police departments, and other charitable recipients.
And the fun didn't stop there – special guests joined the Academy team in select cities to hand out gift cards, meet families and spread good cheer including Shaquille O'Neal, Indianapolis Colts wide receivers, "Blue" (Indianapolis Colts mascot), Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee defensive lineman), Foye Oluokon (Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker), DaVon Hamilton (Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle), Travon Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman), Kelvin Banks Jr. (New Orleans offensive tackle), Javonte Williams (Dallas running back), Bryan Abreu (Houston Astros pitcher), several players from the Greensboro Swarm including Josiah Allick (forward), Ibou Badji (center), Terrell Brown Jr. (guard), Eric Dixon (forward), Marcus Garrett (guard), PJ Hall (center), Keyontae Johnson (forward), DJ Rodman (forward), Jaylen Sims (guard), Brandon Slater (forward), Drew Peterson (forward), Antonio Reeves (guard) and KJ Simpson (guard), and several collegiate athletes.
To learn more about Academy's commitment to giving back please visit here.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
Media Contact: Allan Rojas m: 281.253.3354
SOURCE Academy, Ltd. d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors
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