Hibbett, Nike unveil initiative with $50,000 donation to Birmingham high school

First String will make donations to high schools’ boys and girls basketball teams

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin took a selfie with students at the First String launch event.

Birmingham-based Hibbett has partnered with Nike for First String, a new philanthropic initiative, and the initial $50,000 award went to Wenonah High School in Birmingham.

The donation was made to the school’s boys and girls basketball programs.

First String will provide money to basketball teams, as well as providing students with career development opportunities.

“We’re excited to launch First String,” said Jared Briskin, Hibbett president and CEO. “First String seeks to foster both athletic, academic and career success and launching First String in our own backyard means a lot. We believe in the power of community to inspire, uplift and create opportunities for young people to succeed both on and off the court. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact First String will have on high school student-athletes and hosting these students in our local offices for career development opportunities.”

Hibbett and Nike launched First String at an event in Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium that included Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

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“Hibbett has been a part of the Birmingham community for 79 years,” Woodfin said. “To see the impact First String has on a local Birmingham school is empowering and encouraging. We all want to see these players successful on and off the court and First String will help ensure those students succeed. The partnership between First String and Birmingham Promise to help provide students with scholarship funding to continue their post-high school education and help identify possible career opportunities continues to foster the Birmingham community.”

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