InSport International has teamed with the Portland Interscholastic League in an effort to provide students with athletic apparel for school-related athletic programs.

“Often students have to buy their own uniforms in the Oregon public school systems,” states Northwest Field Sales Representative, Gary Facchini. “We wanted to break the ‘pay to play’ motto and encourage students to participate in athletics as well as provide both coaches and athletes with apparel that can be used for a multitude of different athletic activities.”

The program will begin with the 2005 spring semester. Realizing it was holding design change inventory in the team apparel category, Facchini developed the idea to partner with the Portland Interscholastic League in an effort to put the excess inventory to good use. Made of quick-drying fabrics, the training apparel provides versatile end uses while still remaining technical and keeping the athlete comfortable and dry in multiple track & field events.

“We view the product donation program as part of our continued dedication to the athletic community at every level,” states InSport President and CEO, Eric Merk. “We hope to continue this program and build relationships with other local districts.”

238 shimmels and 1,783 speed suits were donated to the program this year with the intention of keeping them within the school system to be used year after year. InSport also views the program as a platform to help breed familiarity with the InSport brand among coaches and athletes. “Not only is this a great altruistic opportunity for InSport, it provides a good venue for coaches to consider integrating other InSport items into their athletic apparel programs,” says Facchini. “We are very excited about the opportunity associated with this partnership.”