Gatorade Expands Its Commitment to Equity in Sports by Encouraging Young Girls to Stay in the Game At Near West Recreation Basketball Court Unveiling 

Gatorade Expands Its Commitment to Equity in Sports by Encouraging Young Girls to Stay in the Game At Near West Recreation Basketball Court Unveiling 

[CLEVELAND, OHIO] – April 4th, 2024

Research has shown that girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys*. 

Gatorade, a brand that has championed women in sports with its longstanding history, is working to combat this issue by expanding access and breaking down barriers to inspire the next generation of female athletes to get in the game. Through the Gatorade Equity in Sports initiative, the brand is committed to making an impact in local communities by helping reduce the barriers to play.  

As a part of this initiative, Gatorade has partnered with Laureus USA and Good Sports to support young girls in sports and physical activity. This month, Gatorade surprised Near West Recreation, a Cleveland, OH-based organization serving more than 1,000 young people annually, by unveiling the newly refurbished Lakeview Terrace Community Center basketball court with a celebratory event. Young girls from Near West Recreation’s programs were taken through a series of passing and shooting drills aimed at improving their skills on the court – and received an additional treat: a surprise video from WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson on the benefit of sports and encouraging young athletes to stay in the game.  

As a part of Gatorade’s Equity in Sports partnership with Laureus USA and Good Sports, Near West Recreation will be receiving new sports equipment worth $50,000 in retail value, which will encourage girls to get into and remain in the game. Gatorade also supplied all athletes with a kit that included the new limited-edition Caitlin Clark bottle drop. 

Laureus USA is a nonprofit, grantmaking organization committed to improving the lives of youth and uniting communities through the power of sport. Globally, Laureus Sport for Good champions sports programs that enhance the social and emotional development of children and young people. Through grantmaking, advocacy, research, and backbone capacity-building support, Laureus supports 300 programs across 50 countries. Over the last two decades, they have helped to change the lives of almost 6 million children and young athletes. 

Good Sports is a national nonprofit that aims to drive equitable access in youth sports and physical activity by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life. Since 2021, Good Sports has been an official Equity in Sports partner of Gatorade, providing more than $1,150,000 retail value of new sporting equipment to sports organizations throughout the country to support thousands of youth athletes who may not have the same means or opportunity to play.  

This initiative by Gatorade highlights the brand’s commitment to drive equity in sports and ensure that every athlete has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. 

 *Source: Women’s Sports Foundation