DICK’S Sporting Goods and Nike: A Partnership That Changes Lives

The lights of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline glimmer in the early evening twilight as a crisp breeze sweeps along the Allegheny River. This city, forever synonymous with its storied sports history, is today the stage for another sports story — one not about teams, but about individuals. This story is not about winners or losers but about change, transformation, and hope.

At the heart of this narrative is DICK’S Sporting Goods, the Pittsburgh-based sports equipment and apparel retail giant. They are announcing an initiative that seamlessly weaves together the fabric of athletic passion, the power of brands, and the potential of youth. The retail giant has partnered with Nike, Jordan Brand, and ten eminent athletes from diverse sports disciplines, under the banner of their “Sports Change Lives” campaign.

The campaign is an elaborate tapestry, woven with the threads of personal stories narrated by these ten athletes, each a unique testament to how sports have shaped their lives, honed their character, and influenced their destiny.

The athletes in question are not just ordinary people but notable icons, each with a trailblazing journey. They range from the basketball court’s high-flying grace – Carmelo Anthony, to the fierce competitiveness on the soccer field – Alex Morgan, the blistering speed on the athletic tracks – Athing Mu, the powerful strides across the baseball field – Mike Trout, to the inspiring resilience of Paralympic champion – Tatyana McFadden.

Under the aegis of the campaign, each athlete will have the privilege of nominating a youth sports organization that aligns with the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s criteria to receive a $75,000 “75for75” Sports Matter Grant. This initiative is expected to inject over $5.6 million into youth sports in 2023 alone, bridging gaps and empowering dreams.

Emily Silver, the Chief Marketing Officer of DICK’S Sporting Goods, regards this initiative as a genuine insight into how sports have left indelible marks on the lives of world-renowned athletes. She hopes that it stirs a spark of inspiration and enthusiasm for sports in all those who watch.

To bring this campaign to life, the stories of Carmelo Anthony, Sabrina Ionescu, and Mike Trout will grace broadcast channels, online video platforms, and social media, unveiling the next phase of the “Sports Change Lives” campaign. The narratives of the other athletes will follow in due course, each echoing the transformational power of sports.

In an era where connectivity is paramount, this campaign invites customers to connect their DICK’S Sporting Goods Scorecard and Nike Membership accounts to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, unveiling the raw, personal elements of these athlete stories.

Chris Jones, VP North America Nike Marketplace Partners, firmly believes in the joint venture’s potential to make a significant difference in the lives of athletes at all levels. Their shared commitment, he says, transcends the game and impacts society at large.

The overarching objective of the “Sports Change Lives” campaign is to inspire and galvanize youth to pursue their sporting dreams, irrespective of the hurdles they might encounter. It offers an extraordinary blend of the power of sports, the essence of human potential, and the influence of iconic role models, to illustrate the indomitable spirit of sports.

For those who wish to explore the campaign and get a glimpse into the transformative athlete stories, they can visit dickssportinggoods.com/sportschangelives. Together, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Nike, Jordan Brand, and these ten athletes are creating a symphony of change, one that echoes from the heart of Pittsburgh to the world beyond.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation: The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, established to inspire and enable sports participation. It provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. More information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org.

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