DALLAS, Feb 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), and Team Jordan athletes including Dallas-native Michael Crabtree and Gold Medal Paralympian April Holmes surprised thousands of students from Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, James Madison High School and South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas with a pep rally to boost spirits and raise funds for the deserving schools.

As an extension of its Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program that supports teachers who motivate and inspire students toward achieving excellence, Jordan Brand selected current grant recipient Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, along with James Madison High School and South Oak Cliff High School to participate in the "Layups for Learning" experience during the All-Star week to demonstrate to local youth the importance of determination, perseverance and continued education for achieving your dreams. Team Jordan athletes Crabtree and Holmes were surprise guests who took turns addressing their own high school experiences and coaching select students to make layups towards their education. The lucky students successfully completed enough layups to earn $25,000 for each school on behalf of Jordan Brand.

"It is an honor for the Jordan Brand to be here during All Star week and give back to these Dallas area schools through Layups for Learning," said Howard White, Jordan Brand Vice President. "These youth are tomorrow's future and if you give them the tools to learn they will believe they can achieve anything. We are excited to be here today and hope this celebration will leave an indelible mark on these students."

Jordan Brand and All-Star Dwyane Wade launched "Layups for Learning" in Miami, Florida last November to give back to the local community while marking the celebration of 25^th anniversary of the AIR JORDAN franchise. Over one thousand Miami Norland Senior High School students participated in the "Layups for Learning" pep rally where the brand made a $10,000 donation towards educational enrichment. Miami Norland was also a 2009-2010 grant recipient of the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program.

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program is funded by the Jordan Brand and administered by AbekaM, a private nonprofit firm whose mission is to embrace child-serving organizations that are dedicated to bringing targeted, powerful supports to disenfranchised, 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.

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SOURCE: Jordan Brand

Terri Hines
Jordan Brand
503.532.5862
terri.hines@nike.com
or
Trisha Burns
Jordan Brand
503.671.2693
trisha.burns@nike.com