(CONCORD, MA) November 12, 2021 -- Play Ball Foundation today announces that it has received a donation of 900 pairs of shoes and 1,300 pieces of apparel totaling more than $160,000 from New Balance, which will be donated to Lawrence Youth.
New Balance understands the work Play Ball has done in creating middle school sports leagues in Lawrence, and was interested in supporting this work to help enhance greater athletic opportunities and physical activity for students and within Lawrence.
“High quality enrichment opportunities and community partnership have been key pillars to Lawrence Public Schools’ work over the past decade, and the intramural athletics program is a powerful example of both,” said LPS Superintendent Cynthia Paris. “We couldn’t be more grateful to Play Ball and New Balance for their incredible support of our students, which is as impactful now as it has ever been.”
Since 2013, Play Ball has supported Lawrence Public Schools, providing sports opportunities to empower middle school youth. During this academic year, Play Ball supports more than 2,000 students in fall, winter and spring sports programming, including Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Cheer, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Co-ed Track & Field, Volleyball at eleven schools. Even during the pandemic with schools and sports shut down, Play Ball assisted the community by providing 10,000+ meals for students and families through Cor Unum meal center, and facilitated 5 virtual sports with more than 400 engaged students.
"We are incredibly grateful to New Balance and their amazing team for this donation to Play Ball" says Play Ball Executive Director Chris Lynch. "It's been wonderful to see students returning to school and sports this fall, and see the joy, energy, and connectedness that they and their coaches get from sports. Being able to further support Lawrence youth through this donation is just another way to minimize barriers for kids and keep them engaged in school and sports."
“New Balance is proud and humbled to be able to provide footwear and apparel to Play Ball for underserved students in our communities.” said Jeff McAdams, Vice President, Global Marketing at New Balance. “We believe in the power of sport and that all kids should have access and opportunity to play.”
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