LITTLE ROCK, AR (Aug. 28, 2015) – Girls participating in Little Rock’s recreational programs are getting athletic equipment and jerseys thanks to a Let’s Play grant the Parks and Recreation Department received from Good Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources for communities to stay active.

Dr Pepper Snapple has committed $2 million to Good Sports through 2016. The donation to Little Rock Parks and Recreation, valued at $15,074, will provide supplies for softball, volleyball, and cheerleading, including bats, gloves, catchers’ equipment, pompoms, and jerseys. Some of the equipment has been delivered, with the rest expected in coming weeks.

“I am excited about what Good Sports is doing for the participants of Little Rock Parks and Recreation community centers. The uniforms and supplies will provide our youth an opportunity to look good, which always serves as a boost for positive sportsmanship, pride, and increased effort”, said Selandria Jackson, Little Rock Recreation Supervisor. “We can’t thank Good Sports and Dr Pepper Snapple enough for this donation.”

Little Rock Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of recreational activities to inner-city and low-income youth. This donation will allow Little Rock Parks and Recreation to get more girls active and involved in organized sports. 

Fast-pitch softball is a new addition to the lineup, starting this summer at Interstate Park with girls ages 7-8. Jackson hopes to see that sport double in size next year as another age bracket is added.

In 2014, nearly 100 girls participated in volleyball, while around 60 were active in cheerleading as part of the Youth Football League games. The seasons for both sports will start up again soon. Other youth activities offered by Parks and Recreation include basketball, track and field, kickball, baseball, soccer, T-ball, and slow pitch softball, with special activities and programs provided throughout the year as well.

“We are pleased to support Little Rock Parks and Recreation with this grant from Let’s Play, part of our overall commitment to bringing play to life and ensuring that kids are able to make play a daily priority,” said Vicki Draughn, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Dr Pepper Snapple. “We hope that it will make a big difference to kids in the community and give them the equipment and gear they need to get in the game and get active.”

Studies show that in addition to the benefits of regular activity, children who participate in sports enjoy better nutritional awareness and improved self-esteem. Proper equipment is essential to enjoy these benefits, which is why the Let’s Play initiative is equipping 2 million children around the nation with such gear and uniforms.

“Our partnership with Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Let’s Play will enable Good Sports to provide even more equipment to deserving youth across the country,” said Melissa Harper, CEO of Good Sports. “Together, we are thrilled to support Little Rock Parks and Recreation by providing the tools and resources they need to keep children active, healthy, and happy.”

Open registration for Little Rock youth sports programs is available at Dunbar, Stephens, and Southwest community centers.

About Little Rock Parks and Recreation

The Mission of Little Rock Parks and Recreation is to create a meaningful parks and recreation system that provides quality leisure services, promotes the natural environment, local economy and the health of the community and strengthens the diversity of a democratic society. For more information, please visit littlerock.gov/parksrecreation/.

About Let’s Play

Let’s Play is an initiative launched in 2011 by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to provide the tools, places and inspiration to make play a daily priority. By 2017, DPS will provide nearly 10 million children across North America with new opportunities to play and be active through Let’s Play. Working in partnership with the nonprofit organizations KaBOOM! and Good Sports, Let’s Play engages community organizations, thought leaders, elected officials and DPS employees to help eliminate the ‘play deficit’ by building and improving playspaces and providing grants for athletic equipment and gear. For more information, please visit LetsPlay.com or facebook.com/LetsPlay.

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have 6 of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of our 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Peñafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit https://www.keurigdrpepper.com/.  For our latest news and updates, follow us at facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or @DrPepperSnapple.

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 millions of 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 goodsports.org