Students at elementary schools throughout the Portland area may now have a safer play and recess experience, thanks to the Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation. The organization has partnered with Playworks Portland to fund training for schools in two districts for special training and ongoing technical assistance around play and recess facilitation.
The Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation’s $20,000 investment will support training for 65 teachers, coaches and support staff in seven Portland-Metro schools and 41 SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Community schools. More than 5,000 K-8 students in the area will have a healthier, positive playground and recess as a result of the partnership.
“We’re pleased to have Nike’s support for this project and look forward to bringing more safe, healthy and inclusive play to our partnering agencies and communities. This partnership is a big step to getting our students more active and playing every day in Portland." says Playworks Portland Executive Director, Jonathan Blasher."
"Playworks has established itself as a vital part of a thriving active school community and we are proud to offer support through this grant fund.” Kathy Webb, Nike Community Investment Manager
About Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation
Nike Employee Grant Fund was established at The Oregon Community Foundation in 2010. Through this fund, Nike employees will work with OCF to award at least $500,000 per year to local nonprofits. This is Nike's "backyard" program, engaging employees in aiding nonprofits in communities where local Nike employees live – Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington. Grants will be one-year awards, generally between $5,000 and $20,000.
