Indianapolis, IN – June 20, 2017 – Nine13sports has announced an expansion of their nationally recognized Kids Riding Bikes youth program by adding a Central Indiana operations team in partnership with LIDS. This increase in programming capacity is an expansion of the ongoing partnership with LIDS and the LIDS Foundation that began in 2013.
“LIDS and Lids Foundation have been such incredible partners, and to now have a Kids Riding Bikes team powered exclusively by LIDS is an exciting moment in our history,” said Nine13sports Chief Executive Officer Tom Hanley. “Thousands of youth will benefit from this partnership, and we approach this as the next step to shaping the lives of youth through the power of the bicycle not only here in Central Indiana, but across the country.”
The Kids Riding Bikes powered by LIDS team will serve 10,000 kids in Indiana over the next twelve months. Additionally, this expansion will include on-site programming and community days in partnership with LIDS stores across the U.S.
“As we continue to connect marketing with the impact of corporate social responsibility, these community days will utilize our programming to bring together LIDS patrons and staff in a unique way,” said Nine13sports Business Development Director Nathan Smurdon. “This fun environment will allow people to experience how Nine13sports demonstrates that the bicycle is the ultimate equalizer.”
“Our partnership with Nine13sports continues to align well with our corporate and philanthropic goals,” said LIDS Vice President of Marketing John DeWaal. “Nine13sports commitment to youth health and fitness is crucial for us. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is something that is incorporated with our organization on a daily basis, and this partnership carries that culture into the community. Becoming the first exclusive partner of a Nine13sports operations team emphasizes to our employees that philanthropy is important to our company culture. It is our belief that corporate social responsibility is the cornerstone of a great brand.”
The Kids Riding Bikes powered by LIDS team will launch in early July of this year. Information on in-store events is forthcoming including dates, times, and locations.
About Nine13sports: Nine13sports® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes health, wellness, and exercise for local youth between the ages of 5 and 18 through our Kids Riding Bikes® programs. We have created a unique initiative in which we have integrated the traditional bicycle with technology to provide a turnkey product for youth programs, schools, and other community organizations. In addition to individual betterment of health and fitness, our programs promote community, teamwork, and mutual respect designed to foster a lasting impact. For additional information please visit www.nine13sports.org or contact info@nine13sports.org.
ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP: The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World Inc., is a leading North American omni-channel sports licensed retailer comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the Locker Room by LIDS specialty fan retail chain, the Internet businesses www.lids.com, and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Zionsville, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,300 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. Locker Room by LIDS is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties.