GOOD SPORTS NAMES JESSE PALMER AS NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON

Good Sports, a national nonprofit founded to give all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need, has added ABC and ESPN commentator Jesse Palmer as its national spokesperson.

The former NFL quarterback will work with the organization to help increase awareness about their mission and address the decline in youth sports participation across the country. He will also lend his support in the community, including an initiative with the New York Department of Education that will provide more than $100,000 of Physical Education and recess equipment to 100 public schools throughout the Five Boroughs.  Jesse participated in his first Good Sports donation event on Monday at P.S. 72 - The Lexington Academy, where a sixth-grade PE class was presented with much-needed equipment.

“Sports have made a major impact in my life, both on the field and in front of the camera.  Growing up, I was lucky enough to engage in youth and school sports and I know those opportunities were critical in shaping who I am today,” said Palmer. “Throughout the country, some children don’t have the means to participate in sports due to budget constraints and cost of equipment. I am very excited to be joining forces with Good Sports to change that and give more kids the opportunity to get in the game.”                             

According to nationwide research, youth sports participation rates have been steadily declining across the U.S. over the past decade and the high cost, including the equipment required to play, is one of the major barriers to play.

“Jesse is the perfect person to help Good Sports reach the five million kids who are still on the sidelines,” said Good Sports CEO Melissa Harper. “Together, we will get more equipment into the hands of kids in need to ensure they have the opportunity to play and gain the physical, academic, social and emotional benefits that come with participation in sports and physical activity. Because what we know for sure is that kids who play do better.”

Palmer joined ESPN in 2007 as a college football analyst after five seasons in the NFL and plays a leading role in ESPN and SEC Network’s coverage of the top college football games throughout the country.  Last year, Palmer joined Good Morning America as a Special Contributor in addition to his college football duties. Palmer played quarterback for the Florida Gators from 1997-2000.

ESPN Corporate Citizenship joined the fight to increase youth sports participation with Good Sports earlier in 2016. The collaboration includes a $100,000 investment from ESPN to support Good Sports’ expansion into the New York market. Additionally, Good Sports will help to coordinate equipment donations to local nonprofit organizations within communities during five ESPN College Football bowl games this year.