Making a strong move into local team sports as part of its give-back initiative, sporting goods retailer Hibbett/City Gear, in partnership with Nike, recently awarded 103 high schools and more than 2500 students with in-kind donations, products, mentoring and job opportunities valued at over $650,000.

In 2023, 103 sponsored Sole Schools received a financial donation on behalf of Hibbett/City Gear and Nike in support of basketball programs in various ways. Sole Schools use the funds for team gear, travel costs, athletic equipment, and other necessities. Schools also receive Hibbett/City Gear products and mentoring from local Hibbett and City Gear leadership. Hibbett conducts regular outreach to schools and athletic programs in their local neighborhoods as a community partner.

“We are proud at how our grassroots Sole School program has grown and flourished over the past eight years as we remain committed to strengthening our connection with schools in the communities we serve,” says Ben Knighten, SVP–operations at Hibbett. “We developed the Sole School initiative as a multi-faceted way to make a meaningful impact for student-athletes by not only offering funds but also connecting them with our local leaders to develop a plan for the future.”