NikeGO donates $175,000 to expand to summer playgrounds program
28 Jun '05
5 min read
The remaining $75,000 will fund NikeGO cards, the next-generation name for Project Inclusion, a program NikeGO funds helped launch in 2004 to enable more than 800 low-income youth to participate in Portland Parks & Recreation after-school and weekend physical activity programs. Each NikeGO card is a free pass for fun and fitness. The cards are distributed to low-income children for whom registration fees are a barrier to activities that get them moving.
Participating youth will receive a NikeGO card on a lanyard that will provide them access to one of three 10-week terms. Cards will be issued at community centers and are redeemable at all Portland Parks & Recreation facilities. More then 800 kids are expected to use NikeGO cards during the 2005-2006 year.
Proceeds from Nike's upcoming Run Hit Wonder running event, scheduled for July 24, will fund the NikeGO Card program. Run Hit Wonder is a 5K and 10K race, which will feature thousands of participants running to the sounds of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Donnas, Fountains of Wayne, Nina Sky, DJ Z-Trip, and Chingy, who will be performing live along the course.
“NikeGO is proud to be a long-term supporter of Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Parks Foundation,” said Molly White, Nike's Director of U.S. Community Affairs. “Our long-term goal is to inspire kids to get physically active and adopt sports or activities that will lead to a lifetime of physical activity. Participe Portland Parks Foundation,” said Molly White, Nike's Director of U.S. Community Affairs. “Our long-term goal is to inspire kids to get physically active and adopt sports or activities that will lead to a lifetime of physical activity. Participating in the parks' programs offered this summer and throughout the school year is a great opportunity to help build and institute physically active lifestyles and behaviors in these kids over the long-term.”