PITTSBURGH, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DICK'S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), the largest U.S.-based, full-line omni-channel sporting goods retailer announced today its commitment to extend its support of Team USA and its athletes as the Official Sporting Goods Retail Sponsor through the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
The renewed partnership includes a continuation of the Company's in-store employment Contenders Program, which provided flexible work schedules and competitive pay to athletes training for Team USA in the lead-up to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio this past summer.
"We have been so inspired by the grit, determination and the overall performance of our Team USA Contenders since the outset of this partnership, that it was an easy decision to renew our commitment to the USOC," Lauren Hobart, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, DICK'S Sporting Goods. "These athletes were also our coworkers and truly ignited our entire Company. We are excited to support another generation as they pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams."
More than 15 percent of employed athletes enrolled in DICK'S Contenders Program went on to represent Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio. Forty-two total athletes either employed or sponsored by DICK'S brought home a total of 23 Olympic and Paralympic medals (11 gold, eight silver and four bronze).
The renewed commitment will provide the opportunity for athletes who are currently training for any future Games, including the PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2018, to be part of the Company's Contenders Program.
DICK'S PLEDGES $236,000 TO FUTURE TEAM USA ATHLETES
In addition to renewing the Company's partnership with Team USA, DICK'S also announced a $236,000 donation to support future Team USA athletes through The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation's Every Medal program.
For every Olympic and Paralympic Games medal won by Team USA in Rio, The DICK'S Foundation pledged a $1,000 donation to select youth sports organizations that are part of the USOC family to ensure future Contenders are able to play the sports they love.
Thanks to Team USA's impressive medal haul in Rio – 121 Olympic and 115 Paralympic medals – The DICK'S Foundation was able to commit $236,000 to four organizations – USA Diving, Fencers Club, United States Association of Blind Athletes and Ability360. These four recipient organizations were selected by DICK'S Sporting Goods Contenders and will benefit equally from the total amount of money raised through the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"As a company that truly believes sports make people better, we are extremely proud that our Team USA athletes' impressive performance is able to help the next generation of Contenders" said Hobart, who also serves as President of The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation. "We have been committed to battling the youth sports funding crisis in America through our Sports Matter program since its inception in 2014, and we're honored to be able to support deserving organizations through our Every Medal program."
To learn more about DICK'S partnership with Team USA, the Every Medal program and athletes who are equipped and employed by DICK'S visit dicks.com/TheContenders. This website will continue to be updated as the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang approach.
About DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Founded in 1948, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of July 30, 2016, the Company operated more than 645 DICK'S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK'S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, True Runner and Chelsea Collective specialty stores. For more information, visit the Press Room at DICKS.com.
About The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK'S charitable and philanthropic activities.
About the United States Olympic Committee
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.
Contact DICK'S Sporting Goods: press@dcsg.com
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SOURCE DICK'S Sporting Goods
