Sports Authority and NFL PLAY 60 Kick Off 'Pass the Good' Donation Program

DENVER, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Further enforcing its commitment to encouraging youth sports participation and promoting physical activity in America's youth, Sports Authority, in conjunction with NFL PLAY 60 and USA Football, the official youth football development partner of the NFL, today announced the launch of the "Pass the Good" donation program.  

Kicking off in time for the holiday season, Sports Authority will offer customers the opportunity to donate their football cleats, gloves and officially licensed NFL apparel at Sports Authority locations nationwide to help youth in their local communities stay active and healthy as part of NFL PLAY 60, the league's youth health and fitness campaign.  Those who donate merchandise through the "Pass the Good" program will receive a $10 Sports Authority cash card in return, good toward an in-store purchase.  The gear and apparel collected during the six-week campaign will be distributed to youth football leagues in need nationwide who are affiliated with USA Football.

Actively involved are NFL Champion Michael Strahan and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who are both inspired by and supportive of the "Pass the Good" program. They will both be featured in a national TV advertising surrounding the campaign.

NFL PLAY 60 aims to tackle the growing trend of childhood obesity by getting kids active through in-school, afterschool and team-based programs, online child-targeted outreach on NFLRUSH.com and through relationships with like-minded organizations such as Sports Authority, in conjunction with USA Football.

"Sports Authority is proud to team with NFL PLAY 60 and USA Football to encourage youth sports participation and physical activity through the "Pass the Good" donation program," said Sports Authority CEO, David Campisi.  "Ensuring that our nation's youth all have the opportunity to get involved in team sports is of paramount importance to Sports Authority and we are honored to have the opportunity to help spearhead this campaign together with the NFL.  By encouraging America's youth to 'PLAY 60' today, we are ensuring a healthier tomorrow for children across the country. "

According to the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an estimated 16.9% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese.  Further, according to the 2010 Sports Participation in America Report by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), those who are active during their school years are three times more likely to be very active as adults and more than twice as likely to take part in high calorie-burning activities.

"By teaming with Sports Authority on 'Pass the Good,' we are helping kids nationwide get active and healthy," said NFL Vice President of Fan Strategy and Marketing, Peter O'Reilly. "We are pleased to be working with Sports Authority and USA Football on such an important cause."

The "Pass the Good" campaign will run from November 22, 2010 through January 2, 2011.  Donations of cleats, gloves and NFL apparel can be made at any of Sports Authority's 462 stores nationwide. Donations in good condition will be distributed by USA Football to clubs, leagues and families in need of gear. Additional information can be found at www.sportsauthority.com/passthegood.

About Sports Authority

Headquartered in Englewood, CO, Sports Authority is one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers, offering a comprehensive and high-quality assortment of brand name sporting apparel and equipment at competitive prices.  

Sports Authority is staffed with experts in all areas of sports and fitness related topics, and strives to be the ultimate "authority," both on and off the field.  Whether in the game or cheering from the sidelines, Sports Authority is the leading destination for consumers to fulfill their own sports equipment needs, as well as find their favorite team's apparel.

Sports Authority operates more than 460 stores in 45 states, and employs more than 17,000 people nationwide.  It also operates stores in Japan under a licensing agreement with AEON Co., Ltd.  The company's e-commerce website is located at www.sportsauthority.com.  

About NFL Play 60

Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with organizations like the Sports Authority.  PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. For more information, visit www.NFLRush.com/play60.

About USA Football

USA Football, the sport's national governing body, conducts more than 80 football training events annually offering education for coaches, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent non-profit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association. USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition and provides $1 million annually in equipment grants for America's youth and high school football programs based on merit and need. Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

SOURCE Sports Authority