The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and Icy Hot partners to launch a grant program for student-athletes

The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation recently announced that it is partnering with Icy Hot to launch a new grant program for student athletes impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The foundation will issue grants to school sports through the Get Game Ready program. In addition, the program will provide support through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) to support the members with expert guidance with an aim of reducing the risk of spreading Covid-19 and injuries among high school student-athletes.

Icy Hot will donate $1 to the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation for every one box of Icy Hot products it sells.

“Sports are a lifeline for student-athletes and help build a sense of community, said Shaq O’Neal in a statement. “That’s why I am proud to partner with Icy Hot and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association to help struggling high schools get their athletics programs back up and running and supply students with necessary protective gear and equipment when the time is right.”

NATA president Tory Lindley said the health and safety of every student-athlete is important, “especially as the country navigates sports during COVID-19”.  With school sports resuming soon, many student-athletes will have to undergo a series of intense training to catch up to their pre-COVID levels.

Public high schools with Title I designation in need of support for their athletics programs may apply. The money given in the grants can be used to purchase gear and PPE.

According to a recent LeagueSide study, nearly 49% of parents believe that the current challenges brought about by the coronavirus and financial barriers will make their children less likely to participate in youth sports. This could possibly leave about 20 million kids off sports this season.

For more information on The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation grant program visit: shaqfoundation.org/GetGameReady or IcyHot.com/GetGameReady