According to The Oregonian, Nike Inc. is eliminating a “small number” of jobs in its SPARQ training division, a standardized test for athleticism for high school athletes, as part of a move to align the division closer to its men’s and
women’s training categories.

Nike said in a statement: “We have made the decision to realign
and integrate Nike SPARQ training more closely with our men’s and
women’s training categories to more effectively leverage our resources
and support our category offense. We expect SPARQ to continue to be the
definitive assessment rating for athleticism in high school and a tool
to help athletes perform at their best. A small number of positions will be eliminated as part of this transition.”

In 2006, Nike announced a business strategy known as its
“category offense” which focuses the company's efforts on a handful of
product categories, including running, football, basketball, men's
training and women's training.

Nike SPARQ is the name used under a marketing relationship between
Nike and SPARQ, which was started in 2004. The Nike SPARQ partnership, which also includes a line of cross training
footwear, apparel and equipment in the USA, was started in 2008.

The full Oregonian story is here.