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After investing $75 million into the WNBA last month, Nike announces that they plan to expand their investment in the future of women’s sports. Their latest initiative, the Nike Athlete Think Tank, creates a space for women in the sports world to develop solutions for the future generations to come. The 13 founding athletes include Ada Hegerberg, Angela Davis, Bebe Vio, Dina Asher-Smith, Deyna Castellanos, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Nafissatou Thiam, Sabrina Ionescu, Scout Bassett, Serena Williams, Shalane Flanagan, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Simone Manuel.
The founding members of the Nike Athlete Think Tank will use their experience to give Nike valuable insights that will improve the sports industry for girls and women in sports. Furthermore, the 13 founding athletes will also advocate and identify community organizations around the world that Nike can help to succeed. With the ability to donate $1.3 million, Nike and Charities Aid Foundation America have already committed to 20 different grants on behalf of the Nike Athlete Think Tank.
“The selections athletes made for where to give back are all very personal,” says Tanya Hvizdak, VP of Nike Women’s Global Sports Marketing. “Serena Williams identified the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, while Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce suggested her Pocket Rocket Foundation based in Kingston, Jamaica. Sabrina Ionescu highlighted the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, and Shalane Flanagan spotlighted both Marathon Kids and Amputee Blade Runners.”
The Nike Athlete Think Tank wanted to be sure to work with organizations that focus on uplifting women and girls in sports. Together, the team hopes that they can break down barriers and erase the stigma that girls face in competitive sports.
“Having female athletes be part of these conversations is critical to not just Nike’s development as a company, but to sport development, in general,” says fencer and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
As the Nike Athlete Think Tank continues to develop, Nike wants to invite more female sports stars to join their roster of innovative thinkers. By creating a space to listen and learn, Nike hopes that they’ll be able to create long-term impact that enhances the world of sports for everyone involved. For more sneaker news and release dates, follow @NiceKicks on Instagram.
