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Tampa Bay Rays, Chris Archer, and Good Sports Kick Off Second Year of Partnership with Donation to Local School

Charlotte High School receives donation of brand new baseball equipment

To start off the second year of their partnership, the Tampa Bay Rays, pitcher Chris Archer, and Good Sports presented a variety of new baseball equipment to the Charlotte High School baseball team in an afternoon ceremony. This donation - including baseball bats, helmets, new catcher's gear, and uniform pants, valued at over $4,800 - will allow the program to continue enhancing the baseball offerings at the school.

During the presentation, the players in attendance listened to Chris speak about the importance of staying active and doing well in school. The kids had an opportunity to speak with a Major League pitcher and gain some valuable insight on what it takes to succeed both on the field and off.

 "We're excited to begin another year supporting youth programs with the Tampa Bay Rays Foundation and Chris. At Good Sports, we strive to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to engage in sports and fitness and all the benefits that go along with those opportunities," said Christy Keswick, Chief Operating Officer at Good Sports. "Through this continued partnership, the Tampa Bay Rays have once again shown how committed they are to getting kids active and living healthier lifestyles."

"The Rays are proud to support Chris Archer and Good Sports and join in their commitment to keep our kids active and healthy," said Suzanne Luecke, Rays senior director of community relations and executive director of the Rays Baseball Foundation.

Charlotte High School strives to provide a variety of academic and athletic resources to their children; however with recent budget cuts to the athletic department, the programs have seen a decrease in their ability to obtain necessary resources. This donation provides the baseball team with the opportunity to outfit their team in brand new equipment and apparel, and allow them to focus on the season rather than fundraising to replace their equipment.

About the Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have proudly represented Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay region since 1998. The organization and its foundation are committed to building a strong community bond through meaningful interaction and charitable contributions.

About Good Sports

Good Sports helps lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles by providing athletic equipment, footwear and apparel to disadvantaged young people nationwide. By partnering with sporting goods manufacturers, Good Sports gets crucial equipment to kids who need it most, getting them in the game. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided more than $12 million worth of equipment to more than 1,800 youth programs, impacting more than ONE MILLION kids. Good Sports has also been awarded a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability; is a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity; and is listed on Social Impact Exchange's S&I 100, an index of top American nonprofits creating meaningful social impact. For more information on how you can support Good Sports, please visit www.goodsports.org

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