December 16, 2024; City Gear, a lifestyle sneaker and streetwear retailer with 200 stores across 17 states, today proudly announced the recipients of its 2024 Sole School program. In partnership with Nike, City Gear’s transformative Sole School initiative supported 21 high school basketball programs and more than 625 student-athletes in 2024, throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Missouri Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.

“For nine years, the Sole School program has embodied City Gear’s commitment to giving back and uplifting the communities we serve,” said Ben Knighten, President, City Gear. “This initiative isn’t just about financial support – it’s about fostering a connection with local schools and creating a brighter future for student athletes by connecting them with opportunities. In fact, our leaders tell us they get as much out of this program as the students they support.”

Empowering High School Athletes

Each of the 21 High Schools designated as Sole Schools this year received contributions and outreach from City Gear and Nike through funding, in-kind donations and product to support their basketball programs, collectively valued at more than $150,000. The schools will use the funds for basketball season essentials such as team gear, travel expenses, athletic equipment and other team necessities. Sole School athletes also receive City Gear swag, product and mentoring from local City Gear leadership, in addition to job opportunities.

“Our relationship with City Gear and being selected as a Sole School has been great,” said Coach Clifton Terrell, Athletic Coordinator, North Forest High School, Houston, Texas. “City Gear has provided our teams with an opportunity to provide our student-athletes with much needed support in playing the game of basketball. Our school really needs the support that City Gear has provided for the last several years.”

"Our Partnership with City Gear and being chosen as a Sole School has been absolutely amazing,” said Wade Mason, Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, St Augustine High School, New Orleans, Louisiana. “City Gear has furnished us with much required help, and we are incredibly grateful for all they have accomplished for us here at St Aug High School. Irvin and his team at City Gear have really become part of our St Augustine family,"

"Being chosen as a Sole School means the world to the St Mary High School Young ladies Basketball program and it will have a significant impact on our main goal and the existences of the players," said Principal Pamela, St Mary High School, New Orleans, Louisiana. "City Gear’s obligation to the Young ladies Basketball program is really admirable, and we are unquestionably thankful for the positive distinction they are making in our community."

To learn more about City Gear and Sole School, please visit here.

2024 Sole Schools

o AL – Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School, Bessemer, G. W. Carver High School, Montgomery & Vigor High School, Prichard

o AR - Little Rock Southwest High School, Mabelvale

o FL - Edward White High School, Jacksonville

oGA - Carver High School, Atlanta, Morrow High School, Morrow, Lithonia High School, Lithonia & T. W. Josey High School, Augusta

o IN - Arsenal Tech High School, Indianapolis

o LA - At. Augustine High School, New Orleans, Frederick A Douglass High School, New Orleans, St. Mary’s Academy, New Orleans & Woodlawn High School, Baton Rouge

o MO - Hogan Prep High School, Kansas City & University City High School, University City

o MS - Provine High School, Jackson

o OH - Princeton High School, Cincinnati

o TN - East Nashville Magnet High School, Nashville & Hamilton High School, Memphis

o TX - North Forest High School, Houston

A Legacy of Style and Community Engagement

City Gear isn’t just known for cutting edge streetwear and sneakers, but also for being rooted in community. Fashion-conscious shoppers can find top brands like Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Grindhouse, True Religion and Crysp and stay on top of the latest sneaker drops in an exclusive launch calendar, enter sneaker launch raffles in the City Gear app and take advantage of the benefit-packed City Gear Rewards Program.

"I love being a leader in a company that rewards the community that we serve and makes a distinctive difference in young athletes’ lives," said Irvin Bernard, District Sales Manager, City Gear, New Orleans, Louisiana.

“I have been so grateful to be a part of an organization that actually gives back to the same people that give to us,” said Eric Freeman, DSM, City Gear, Houston, Texas. “It is amazing to see the impact it has on these kids and their future aspirations simply through giving back. If I had a choice, I would not do anything different from what City Gear has implemented over the past few years with Sole School.”

About City Gear

City Gear operates more than 200 stores located in 17 states nationwide. City Gear has a proven history of giving back to local communities through outreach initiatives like Sole School and Cutz4Kids, while providing personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and accessories from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Grindhouse, New Balance and New Era. City Gear is owned by JD Sports Fashion plc, a leading global omnichannel retailer of Sports Fashion brands. Follow us @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and X, and @CityGear on TikTok.

Wendy Yellin Marketing and Communications

Wendy Yellin

wendyymarcom@yahoo.com

https://www.citygear.com/

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