Sports Authority will again partner with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest private funder of melanoma research worldwide, to inform the public about this deadly form of skin cancer and to raise funds to support studies aimed at its treatment and cure. This is the third consecutive year Sports Authority has participated in and supported the effort.

With more than 475 locations across 43 states, Sports Authority is planning an extensive outreach campaign in May, which is Melanoma Awareness Month, to build awareness among its customers about the need for protection against the sun and the importance of regular self-check skin examinations, as well as physician visits. Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers especially among young adults and early identification of suspicious moles and changing lesions is highly effective in preventing more serious and often fatal, metastatic forms of melanoma.

Additionally, Sports Authority will conduct a point of sale program that encourages shoppers to donate funds up to the nearest dollar of their purchases, with the money earmarked for MRA sponsored research for the disease. Owing to the generous contributions of MRAs founders, 100% of monies collected go towards research into fighting melanoma.

We are pleased to partner in this education and fund raising effort with MRA, which has become a leader in working to find treatments and cures for this terrible disease, said Darrell Webb, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Authority. Its important to remind active individuals of the precautions that can be taken to protect themselves from harmful sun rays as research for a cure continues. We are happy to join in this effort.

Sports Authoritys support is a very valuable contribution in our battle to defeat this deadly skin cancer, said Wendy Selig, MRAs President and CEO. Melanoma research is making crucial progress. Even while this important effort is ongoing, it is equally important to raise awareness and educate the public about ways to prevent and detect melanoma.

Sports Authority will support this promotion with in-store signage, such as point-of-sale cash wrap mats and toppers. The company also plans to feature the partnership across its social media outlets, in newspaper ads and on its informational landing page.