"The Nike Factory Store has supported the Girls in the Game program at Neil Elementary for years," says Amy Skeen, Executive Director of Girls in the Game. "Now they'll be able to celebrate the end of a successful year of programming with the girls."

Promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles is a priority for Nike, and one that is practiced by employees nationwide and at all levels. Not only does Nike support programs like Girls in the Game financially, their employees are committed to making a difference firsthand by volunteering their time and energy.

Nike recognizes that while all kids face significant challenges to good health, girls in Chicago are especially at risk for overweight and obesity.

• According to the Sinai Urban Health Institute, two out of three children in Chicago's under-resourced neighborhoods are overweight or obese - more than double the national average.
• Girls who do 15 minutes of moderate physical activity a day reduce their risk of obesity by almost 50 percent.
• Girls who play sports are less likely to do drugs and have unplanned pregnancies, and they are more likely to get higher test scores and develop self-confidence.

On Thursday at Neil Elementary on Chicago's Southside, Nike employees will provide every girl in the program with a pair of Nike gym shoes, encouraging them to continue the healthy physical activities during the summer and throughout their lifetimes.