10 Years Later: Returning to Harlem Lacrosse

Rhea-AI Summary

DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation celebrates a decade-long partnership with Harlem Lacrosse. Dyjae Pearson and Jordany Baltazar, once beneficiaries, now successful adults, return to honor the program. They, along with coach Joel Censer, highlight the transformative impact of Harlem Lacrosse. Pearson, now a Division 1 athlete and master's degree holder, credits his success to the program. To mark the anniversary, they presented a $100,000 Sports Matter grant and new gear to Harlem Lacrosse. The program, which has grown from 3 to 65 employees and serves 1,300 students in five major cities, aims to provide opportunities and guidance to youth.

Positive

• DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation's $100,000 grant supports Harlem Lacrosse.
• Harlem Lacrosse has grown from 3 to 65 employees in a decade.
• The program now serves 1,300 students in five major cities.
• Dyjae Pearson became a Division 1 athlete and earned a master's degree.
• Harlem Lacrosse provides guidance, opportunities, and experiences to youth.

Negative

• The press release lacks specific financial performance data for DICK'S Sporting Goods.
• No detailed information on the direct impact of the grant on the company's stock (DKS).
• Unclear how this philanthropic effort translates to measurable business growth for DICK'S.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 12, 2024 / DICK'S Sporting Goods

Sports Matter Celebrates 10 Years with Harlem Lacrosse Dyjae Pearson (L), coach Joel Censer (M), and Jordany Baltazar (R) reunited to celebrate the continued impact of The DICK'S Foundation on Harlem Lacrosse.

Originally published on DICK'S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

A lot can change in a decade. When The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation first visited Harlem Lacrosse in 2014, Dyjae Pearson and Jordany Baltazar were just teenagers looking for guidance in a life surrounded by chaos. They found that structure in Harlem Lacrosse and their coach, Joel Censer.

Now ten years later, they view Harlem Lacrosse and coach Censer as the main catalysts for their successful lives.

"I was never a bad kid," said Pearson. "I was just falling victim to the environment I was in."

After being featured in the original Sports Matter video that showcases the impact Harlem Lacrosse has in students' lives, Pearson became more determined to grow beyond his surroundings and find success outside of Harlem.

"Now I'm a dual sport Division 1 athlete and college graduate, someone with a master's degree and someone selected to play for the United States Virgin Islands national lacrosse team," said Pearson.

Understanding the meaningful role Harlem Lacrosse had in his life, Pearson teamed up again with Baltazar to surprise their old coach with a game-changing message.

To celebrate The DICK'S Foundation's 10th anniversary, Baltazar and Pearson showed up to a recent practice, where they presented the program with a $100,000 Sports Matter grant and new gear for the entire Harlem Lacrosse team.

If you ask Baltazar, the money couldn't be in better hands.

"One of the biggest things that Harlem Lacrosse provided was guidance," said Baltazar. "Our success comes from what we've learned from coach Censer. He passed it on to us, and we will pass it on to the next generation."

In addition to lacrosse instruction, Harlem Lacrosse seeks to provide opportunities, relationships, and experiences that activate the skills and traits that put youth on a path to success as students, athletes, and citizens.

The $100,000 grant won't just make an impact in Harlem. Over the years, the program has grown exponentially.

"Ten years ago, I was one of three employees," said Censer. "Now, there are 65 employees and Harlem Lacrosse serves around 1,300 students in five major cities nationwide. I feel blessed and lucky to be part of this."

To learn more about The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation, visit www.sportsmatter.org.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DICK'S Sporting Goods on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: DICK'S Sporting Goods
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dicks-sporting-goods
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DICK'S Sporting Goods

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What did DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation do to celebrate its 10th anniversary with Harlem Lacrosse?

They presented a $100,000 Sports Matter grant and new gear to Harlem Lacrosse.

How has Harlem Lacrosse grown since its partnership with DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation?

Harlem Lacrosse has expanded from 3 to 65 employees and now serves 1,300 students in five major cities.

What achievements does Dyjae Pearson attribute to Harlem Lacrosse?

Pearson is now a Division 1 athlete, a college graduate, holds a master's degree, and was selected to play for the US Virgin Islands national lacrosse team.

How does Harlem Lacrosse aim to impact youth?

Harlem Lacrosse provides guidance, opportunities, and experiences that help youth succeed as students, athletes, and citizens.

What is the stock symbol for DICK'S Sporting Goods?

The stock symbol for DICK'S Sporting Goods is DKS.