no-football-team.jpgNIKE will make a $100,000 contribution to George Washington Carver High School in the 9th Ward of New Orleans for installing a football field and track in the community. The donation, which supports Carver’s “Field of Dreams” initiative, forms part of Nike’s continued rebuilding effort in New Orleans, since Katrina.

“This project is going to be the first public space of its kind in New Orleans, serving as a true community space in every sense of the word,” said Field of Dreams founder Brian Bordainick, who is a Carver High School Teacher and member of Teach For America. “Nike’s commitment reinforces the fact that individuals can believe in their own power to create a lasting change in their community.”

Brian Bordainick launched the Field of Dreams effort last month to rebuild the school’s athletic fields, which were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The school’s football team was resurrected this fall for the first time since the storm and currently plays on an abandoned lot. Individuals and community organizations are helping the school reach its fundraising goal by purchasing bricks on Carver’s “Walkway of Hope.”

“Nike is committed to giving New Orlean’s youth the opportunity to play sports as a means of enriching their lives and the lives of others in the community,” said Maria MontaHo, GM of Nike South.

“We’re proud that Nike’s donation of $100,000 to Carver High School will help expand access to football and track for youth throughout the city, giving everyone the chance to benefit from the power of sport.” Since 2005, Nike has donated over $7 million in product and cash to New Orleans.

Last year, Nike donated over $2M in product, equipment, funding and play surfaces as part of its rebuilding through sport effort. Nike’s five donated courts are located at four NORD locations: Sam Bonart, Taylor Park, Stallings-Gentilly Park, and the St. Bernard Center. In April 2008, Nike opened a Community Store on Carrolton Avenue to provide local jobs and management training programs. As part of an annual grant program, the Community Store donated $50,000 in grants to support community-based programs targeting sport opportunities for women and youth. About Field of Dreams Brian Bordainick launched the Field of Dreams effort last month to rebuild the school’s athletic fields, which were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

The school’s football team was resurrected this fall for the first time since the storm and currently plays on an abandoned lot. Individuals and community organizations are helping the school reach its fundraising goal by purchasing bricks on Carver’s “Walkway of Hope.”

For more information, visit www.9thwardfieldofdreams.com.

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