Shock Doctor, an athletic protection and performance brand, launched a campaign to help young athletes play safe on the court.
The official mouthguard of the National Basketball Association (NBA) unveiled “A Mouthful of Fearless” to coincide with the start of the NBA season. The campaign focuses on the sense of confidence that mouthguards can provide young athletes, knowing their teeth are protected from injury.
“The NBA is a role model for basketball players of all levels, so we wanted to extend our partnership in a meaningful way to help young athletes,” said Tony Armand, CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor. “In addition to educating young players, we’ll also be teaching coaches and parents about how mouthguards can protect against tooth loss and facial injuries.”
Nearly a third of all basketball injuries to high school athletes during competition are to the head and face. However, while mouthguards are a critical piece of facial protective equipment, they are not required in basketball.
Shock Doctor’s multiyear campaign, visible across mobile, social and video, is intended to address this shortfall. Shock Doctor’s NBA athlete ambassadors – 2016 NBA Champion Kevin Love, two-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins and 2015 NBA Champion Harrison Barnes – will also be a part of the campaign and featured in videos, still photography and quotes that show how wearing a mouthguard has made them fearless.
Basketball players of all levels will also be able to participate in a photo contest that will run through January 2017, with a grand prize of two tickets to the NBA All-Star game in New Orleans, including flights and a hotel stay. Other prizes will be rewarded for second and third place. Additionally, Shock Doctor will participate in youth-focused clinics through the Jr. NBA to help promote the importance of mouthguard use.
