Dick’s Sporting Goods grant aids SL athletics

A $25,000 Dick’s Sporting Goods Sports Matter grant is benefiting youth activities at Southern Local Schools.

District Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson said the district secured the grant after learning of the opportunity from Dick’s Sporting Goods employee and Southern Local alumnus Josh Melhorn, who attended a check presentation ceremony during a recent Indians basketball game.

“This was the second grant we’ve received. The first one was for the girls’ basketball team,” Sampson said. “This grant is more specific to the athletics teams and is geared toward building youth sports programs all the way through high school.”

Athletic Director Bob Shansky allocated the funding among the district’s sports programs for equipment and other needs to support student-athletes.

“It was split among the sports programs and each coach will discuss with their staff where it will be spent,” Sampson said. “We will work with the coaches to help pay for youth fees or to order equipment.”

Sampson said she is grateful for the contribution and believes it will make a difference for student-athletes.