Reebok & BOKS are Getting Kids Active throughout the Nation by Increasing Movement Opportunities

(BOSTON, MA) January 25, 2021 — Today Reebok and BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success), an initiative of the Reebok Foundation, announced that they will provide 10 underserved schools and nonprofit youth organizations across the nation who are utilizing BOKS resources to help get kids moving with a $10,000 award. BOKS is a physical activity program designed to get kids active and establish a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.

“During these times of extreme isolation, increased sedentary behavior and screen obsessed youth, it is extremely important to provide inspiration and access to physical activity and play,” said Kathleen Tullie, Senior Director of Social Purpose at Reebok.”The award dollars are intended to support BOKS programming and resources, as well as other health and wellness initiatives, that increase opportunities for kids to move.”  

In Fall 2020, in honor of the program’s 10 Year Anniversary, BOKS announced the Defenders of Physical Activity campaign, which would award $10,000 to one exemplary BOKS program that not only changes the wellbeing of kids in their community but sets an example for other BOKS programs. Exercise is really one of the best preventative measures in the fight against COVID-19 and overall mental and physical health. After an incredible influx of applications, and with so many strong programs to choose from, Reebok stepped in with the additional funding to recognize 10 BOKS programs, making the anniversary celebration even greater – 10 Years of BOKS and $10,000 to 10 amazing BOKS programs.

As the funds are unrestricted, the goal is to provide these schools and non-profit youth organizations the autonomy to use these dollars as needed to help keep the kids they serve active and healthy. The recipients of the $10,000 awards are as follows:

• Randle Highlands, Washington DC
• St. Dominic School, Los Angeles, CA
• Redland Christian Academy, Homestead, FL
• Gateway Region YMCA, St. Louis, MO
• P.S. 228Q The Ivan Lafayette Early Childhood School of the Arts, NYC
• Baldwin Early Learning, Boston, MA
• Whitsett Elementary School, S. Nashville, TN
• SouthSide Elementary, Providence RI
• Boston Green Academy Horrace Mann Charter, Brighton MA
• P.S. 384 Q, Long Island, NY

“We are thrilled and honored to be a recipient of the Defenders Of Physical Activity grant. These funds will allow the Y to impact change in this time of uncertainty. Having access to the BOKS program allows us to do more and provide needed services in our communities. We are excited to take BOKS to the next level and our hope is to provide youth with tools and resources to live a healthy lifestyle!”  Said Sarah Rhodebeck, Executive Director of Association Child Care Services, Gateway Region YMCA.

“Our school serves an urban, low-income, primarily immigrant community with limited access to professional sports organizations.” Said Steven Orozco, Physical Educator and BOKS Leader, New York City Public School 228Q, The Ivan Lafayette Early Childhood School of the Arts.  “All of our students will benefit from newly acquired gymnastics (ninja-course!) equipment acquired through our partnership with BOKS for years to come! The goal is to get kids excited about becoming more confident and adept at athletics, physical activity and making healthy choices; creating a joy of movement and instilling a lifetime of paring fun with movement.”

In 2020, BOKS also awarded an additional $200,000 to more than 100 underserved schools and nonprofit youth organizations across the US through its grant program.  In addition to Reebok, BOKS grant funding partners include The Boston Foundation, CVS Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Toyota, and CrossFit.