Longtime Icy Hot spokesman Shaquille O’neal is partnering with the company to launch an initiative to help high school athletics programs that have been affected financially by COVID-19.
Black Enterprise reports The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation announced Icy Hot will donate $1 to the program for every product sold. Public high schools that have a Title I designation, needing help for their athletic programs are encouraged to apply and recipients will be able to use the money to purchase PPE and much-needed gear.
“Sports are a lifeline for student-athletes and help build a sense of community,” said O’Neal in a written statement, according to Black Enterprise. “That’s why I am proud to partner with Icy Hot and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association to help struggling high schools get their athletic programs back up and running and supply students with the necessary protective gear and equipment when the time is right.”
According to Black Enterprise, through the Get Game Ready program, grants will be issued by the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to help with financial aid assistance for sports programs at various schools. It will also provide additional support through the National Trainers’ Association (NATA), where members will offer expert guidance to not only help reduce the risk of injuries among high school athletes but reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well.
“The health and safety of every student-athlete is paramount, especially as the country navigates sports during COVID-19,” says NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC. “As school sports resume, many students will have to adjust to intense levels of activity after months of being out of play, so it will be more important than ever to have the support of skilled athletic trainers who can help reduce the risk of injuries and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
For more on The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’s Get Game Ready grant program, and how to apply, visit their website here.
