Sports Authority Partners with Melanoma Research Alliance to Educate the Public and Spur Research for Skin Cancer

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- Sports Authority, one of the nation’s largest full-line sporting goods retailers,  announced that they have partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest private funder of melanoma research, to inform the public about this deadly form of skin cancer and to raise funds to support studies aimed at its treatment and cure.

This is the fourth consecutive year Sports Authority has participated in and supported the effort.

With 474 locations across 43 states and Puerto Rico, Sports Authority is supporting an extensive outreach campaign in May, which is Melanoma Awareness Month, to build awareness among its customers about the need for protection against the sun and the importance of regular self-check skin examinations as well as physician visits.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers, especially among young adults, and early identification of suspicious moles and changing lesions is highly effective in preventing more serious—and often fatal—metastatic forms of melanoma.

Additionally, Sports Authority is conducting a point-of-sale program throughout the month of May that encourages shoppers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in order to donate funds toward MRA-sponsored research for the disease. Due to the generous ongoing contributions of MRA’s founders, 100% of the money collected will go toward research into fighting melanoma.

“We are honored to partner with the Melanoma Research Alliance for another year, as they continue to be at the forefront of education and research to finding treatments and a cure for melanoma,” said Paul M. Okimoto, Chief Marketing Officer of Sports Authority. “We encourage our customers, as they engage in outdoor sports and activities throughout the summer months, to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun.”

“We are so pleased to once again be collaborating with Sports Authority in generating support for our mission to defeat melanoma and educating the public about this disease,” said Wendy Selig, MRA's President and CEO. “MRA is grateful for the ongoing commitment of our allies in continuing to advance progress for melanoma patients and everyone at risk for deadly skin cancer.”

Sports Authority is supporting this promotion with in-store signage, such as point-of-sale cash wrap mats and toppers.

The company is also featuring the partnership across social media outlets, newspaper ads and on an informational landing page located at sportsauthority.com/shinesomelight.
 
About The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA)

MRA is a public charity formed in 2007 under the auspices of the Milken Institute, with the generous founding support of Debra and Leon Black. MRA has dedicated more than $51 million to research seeking to better prevent, diagnose and treat melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer. The organization plans to award another $9 million in research grants later this year. Due to the ongoing support of its founders, 100% of every dollar MRA raises goes to support its melanoma research program. The organization is poised to build on recent momentum in the field, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and translation in order to eliminate suffering and death due to melanoma. MRA’s ability to fund wide-ranging research in melanoma is amplified by unique multi-faceted collaborations and partnerships with individuals, private foundations and corporations.

For more information, please visit CureMelanoma.org curemelanoma.org
 
About Sports Authority

Headquartered in Englewood, CO, Sports Authority is one of the nation’s largest full-line sporting goods retailers, with 474 locations across 43 states and Puerto Rico. Sports Authority offers a broad range of sporting goods from leading brands and is the active family’s destination for footwear, apparel, fitness, team sports and outdoor recreation. The League by Sports Authority, a free and easy rewards program, offers members 5% back after they earn 100 points or more during a quarterly period. For a list of store locations and information or to shop online, visit www.sportsauthority.com. Sports Authority also owns and operates nine S.A. Elite by Sports Authority locations that offer a premier assortment of high-end performance apparel, footwear and accessories.

Visit www.saelite.com for more information. Follow Sports Authority on Facebook www.facebook.com/sportsauthority and Twitter www.twitter.com/sportsauthority.


Contacts
ICR / Samantha Fink, 646-277-1218 / SAPR@icrinc.com


By press release