In 2021, Hibbett promised more than $500,000 and in partnership with Nike the donation was raised to $750,000 for the 86 adopted schools. The philanthropic initiative was developed as a community outreach program to help local schools and sports programs in neighborhoods that are often left behind. Sole School’s unique approach combines identification of schools in need, outreach from Hibbett and City Gear staff, monetary and in-kind support.
“We started the Sole School program at City Gear 6 years ago and with its success, we wanted to expand our impact to more schools that could have been hit hard by the pandemic, budget cuts or other challenges” , said Michael Longo, President and CEO, Hibbett Sports. “Being a community partner is in our DNA and we remain committed to improving the lives of future generations, especially in areas that tend to lack resources.”
Sole School is a multi-pronged philanthropic program that has awarded 86 high schools in 35 states the nickname Sole School. By the end of 2021, Hibbett will have presented checks to each of the Sole schools to support education and athletics. Each of the selected schools will also benefit from the mentorship of local Hibbett and City Gear staff. Job opportunities are available for high school students interested in finding a great first job at City Gear or Hibbett Sports. The Sole School initiative was originally launched by the company’s City Gear brand in 2015 and has since impacted hundreds of students.
“Hibbett Sports in Atmore is valuable to our community in many ways. The Atmore Hibbett store is literally a block from Escambia County High, so our athletes and coaches regularly shop there and even though Hibbett is a national chain, for Atmore it is our local store,” said Amy Cabaniss, Principal of Escambia County High School and Sole School. “The Sole School program has been a special blessing to our boys’ basketball program for several reasons. Due to COVID, we have not made any profit from entry receipts on any of our games this year. We We are a small town and it is difficult to raise funds to cover many of the expenses of our students/athletes during a regular school year.This program will purchase much needed equipment and provide training equipment to our athletes who would otherwise need to purchase themselves We are grateful to have been chosen, especially with the sad and unexpected passing of Jean Shears, our head boys basketball coach. Sole Schools came to us at a time when we needed blessings and support, including mentorship which can be especially helpful to many of our students. »
“We are grateful to support educators and students across the country and connect them with our talented Hibbett and City Gear Leaders in the communities where we serve,” said Ben KnightenSenior Vice President, Store Operations, Hibbett Sports.
About Hibbett Sports
Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1,069 Hibbett Sports and City Gear specialty stores located in 35 states nationwide. Hibbett has a rich history of serving customers for over 75 years with convenient locations, personalized service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and shop online or at their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @hibbettsports and @citygear.
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SOURCE Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.