NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Students from Croft Middle Design Center received an early Christmas present from Academy Sports + Outdoors and went Christmas shopping with Titans players, David Bass, Karl Klug, Derrick Morgan, Da'Norris Searcy, Ryan Succop, Coty Sensabaugh, Avery Williamson and Wesley Woodyard, along with Titans cheerleaders at their Cool Springs store yesterday afternoon.
Academy Sports + Outdoors has been a partner of the Titans organization for more than 10 years. The Texas-based company opened its first Tennessee store in 1999 and currently operates 11 stores in the state.
"The Shop With A Titan event is always one of the favorites of our players and staff," said Titans Senior Vice President Stuart Spears. "We are grateful for Academy Sports + Outdoors and their participation in making this possible. They are not only a great partner of the Titans, but they invest heavily in our community through activities such as this."
Titans players and cheerleaders shopped with each child helping them make their special holiday selections such as bicycles, shoes and apparel.
"Giving back to the Nashville community is a cornerstone of Academy Sports + Outdoors," said Toby Wyman, senior director of promotions for Academy Sports + Outdoors. "We always enjoy partnering with the Titans on this annual donation event to show our commitment to the families of Titans fans."
The children were provided nutrient-rich snacks by the Southeast Dairy Association. The Southeast Dairy Association and the Titans work together to help make wellness part of the game plan in Tennessee schools through the Play 60 campaign/Fuel Up to Play 60. The program encourages schools to make healthy changes in students' eating habits and physical activity. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council, the Southeast Dairy Association and the NFL. It's all about getting students to 'Fuel Up' with nutrient-rich foods missing from their diets, like low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to "get-up and play" for at least 60 minutes a day. New research shows that better nutrition starting with breakfast, coupled with increased physical activity can lead to better academic achievement.
Titans players and cheerleaders help children go on a holiday shopping spree during the annual Academy Sports + Outdoors Shop with a Titan in Cool Springs. (Photos: Lynne McCracken, Amber Harding)
"We are thrilled to be a part of the 'Shop with a Titan'" event, said Joan Benton, Southeast United Dairy Industry Association's Manager of School Health and Wellness. "It is a great opportunity for us to join with another Titan partner, Academy Sports + Outdoors, who shares our belief that healthy students are better students."
As a Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) school, Croft Middle Design Center middle school was selected to participate in this year's event. Participating children were based on a variety of criteria including exceptionally good conduct, academic achievements, reading contests and perfect attendance.
"We are so thankful for this unique opportunity for our students to interact and shop with Titans players and cheerleaders," said Johnsie Holt, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Coordinated School Health Coordinator. "Thanks to the Titans, SUDIA and Academy Sports + Outdoors, students were able to pick out holiday gifts that equip them for physical activity while spending time with positive, healthy community role models. This is an experience our students will never forget!"
For more information about Academy Sports + Outdoors visit academy.com.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors:
Academy Sports + Outdoors is a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer with a broad assortment of quality hunting, fishing and camping equipment and gear along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel, patio sets, barbecue grills and much more. The $4 billion company operates over 200 stores throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, where the company is based. The Academy Sports + Outdoors philosophy is to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience by providing convenience, offering a broad selection of quality products, delivering exceptional customer service and selling the right stuff at everyday low prices. For more information about Academy Sports + Outdoors visit academy.com, facebook.com/academy, twitter.com/academy, pinterest.com/academy, youtube.com/academy and instagram.com/academy.
