Nike Athlete Think Tank
The Moment
At the heart of NIKE, Inc.’s commitment to women’s sport is listening to and learning from athletes. Inspired by their dedication and achievements, the company applies their insights to products, services and partnerships that aim to create a more equitable playing field. Together, Nike and its athletes share a vision of celebrating and empowering present and future generations.
This group of accomplished, iconic athletes included Ada Hegerberg, Angela Davis, Bebe Vio, Dina Asher-Smith, Deyna Castellanos, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Nafissatou Thiam, Sabrina Ionescu, Scout Bassett, Serena Williams, Shalane Flanagan, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Simone Manuel emphasized the financial aspect of creating access to sport and the importance of bringing everyone, especially athletes with disabilities, into inclusion initiatives. They spoke about valuing purpose as much as performance, namely through meaningful community efforts. Many of them reflected on the challenges and barriers they faced along the way, often alleviated by programs and scholarships that set them up for success.
They asked, and Nike responded. The company committed to continuing the discussion and created the Nike Athlete Think Tank, an evolved format for gathering and listening. This included partnering with CAF America to fund $1.3 million for a total of 20 grants for community organizations around the world that were identified by and align with each athlete’s advocacy to champion a sense of belonging for women and girls and level the playing field for all communities.
This group of accomplished, iconic athletes included Ada Hegerberg, Angela Davis, Bebe Vio, Dina Asher-Smith, Deyna Castellanos, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Nafissatou Thiam, Sabrina Ionescu, Scout Bassett, Serena Williams, Shalane Flanagan, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Simone Manuel emphasized the financial aspect of creating access to sport and the importance of bringing everyone, especially athletes with disabilities, into inclusion initiatives. They spoke about valuing purpose as much as performance, namely through meaningful community efforts. Many of them reflected on the challenges and barriers they faced along the way, often alleviated by programs and scholarships that set them up for success.
They asked, and Nike responded. The company committed to continuing the discussion and created the Nike Athlete Think Tank, an evolved format for gathering and listening. This included partnering with CAF America to fund $1.3 million for a total of 20 grants for community organizations around the world that were identified by and align with each athlete’s advocacy to champion a sense of belonging for women and girls and level the playing field for all communities.
