Team Jordan Athlete Dwyane Wade Surprises Students at a School Pep Rally
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2009-- Today, Jordan Brand, a division
of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), and Team Jordan athlete Dwyane Wade hosted a
school pep rally at Miami Norland Senior High School, where a donation
was made to the school as an extension of its Jordan Fundamentals Grant
Program, which supports teachers across the country who motivate and
inspire students toward achieving excellence. Wade was a surprise guest,
and he received an enthusiastic welcome from the hundreds of students
who packed the gym for the rally.
Jordan Brand hosted the event called “Layups for Learning,” which
invited five lucky students for a chance to score a layup and win grant
money for their school. The rally’s highlight was a surprise appearance
by Wade, who talked with the students about his childhood, the
importance of education, his professional basketball experience, and why
it’s important to give back and volunteer.
“It was great to be able to join the Jordan Brand in giving back to
Miami Norland Senior High School,” said Wade. “I feel so blessed to be
where I am, so it’s important to me that I try to encourage as many
youth as I can about the importance of believing in themselves and
giving back to their communities. It’s amazing to think what the next
generation can accomplish.”
The Jordan Brand’s vice president Howard White emceed the assembly and
offered motivational remarks to the students about the importance of
always striving to reach their potential. The event was part of a 25th
anniversary celebration for the Jordan Brand’s AIR JORDAN franchise, and
an exciting induction into the Miami community for the Jordan Brand.
“We are proud to make this donation to Miami Norland Senior High School
as an extension of the Jordan Fundamentals program, a program that was
born out of Michael Jordan’s belief that education is the key to every
opportunity. We are lucky to have an elite Team Jordan athlete like
Dwyane assist us in becoming more involved in the Miami community,” said
White.
This was the second time the Jordan Brand and Wade teamed up this week.
On Wednesday , November 11th, Wade was on hand with Michael Jordan and
other Jordan Brand executives at a press event to introduce the new AIR
JORDAN 2010, marking the 25th anniversary game shoe from the storied AIR
JORDAN franchise.
The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program is funded by the Jordan Brand and
administered by Abekam, a private nonprofit educational consulting firm
whose mission is to embrace child-serving organizations that are
dedicated to bringing targeted, powerful supports to urban, minority and
low-income populations. To apply for a Jordan Fundamentals Grant and
for additional information about the program, please visit www.JordanFundamentals.com.
About Jordan Brand
A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear,
apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and
direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in
1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and
lifestyle products. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by
donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education
grants program for teachers.
For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.
Source: Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand
Terri Hines, 503.532.5862
terri.hines@nike.com
or
Jordan Brand
Trisha Burns, 503.671.2693
trisha.burns@nike.com