December 22, 2025
Year-long effort as part of company’s “District of Play” program will provide Under Armour footwear to nearly 6,500 students across DC Public Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 22, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today announced “District Kicks,” one of the year two marquee initiative of the District of Play platform, led by the Washington Wizards in partnership with Under Armour and DC Public Schools (DCPS).
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural effort, District Dribble, which placed nearly 30,000 basketballs into the hands of every DCPS student in PK3 through 5th grade, District Kicks shifts the focus to essential athletic gear—ensuring student-athletes can take part in sports safely and with pride.
The district-wide, multi-phase initiative will deliver Under Armour footwear to all DCPS high school athletes and celebrate milestone moments for sixth-grade students enrolled in DCPS 6th Grade Academies.
“When I got my first basketball as a kid in Brooklyn, that single piece of equipment unlocked everything that followed—confidence, belonging, and the belief that sports could shape my future,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “District Kicks is built on that same idea: when you give young people the right tools, you give them the ability to dream bigger. We are proud to partner with Under Armour and DCPS to ensure DC students can step onto the court or field ready to compete and believe in what’s possible.”
“We are the Sports Capital not only because of our professional teams, but also because of the opportunities we create for our children,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This initiative is one more way we can make sports more accessible to more students, and we’re grateful for Monumental’s continued partnership and commitment to our city’s young people.”
About District Kicks
Throughout 2026, District Kicks will come to life through a full year of athletic shoe distribution and programming.
- High School Sport-Specific Footwear: District Kicks will provide sport-specific Under Armour footwear to all high school student-athletes across roughly 22 DCPS schools, totaling approximately 5,200 students. Shoes will be delivered directly to school campuses and will be distributed in alignment with athletic seasons, beginning with spring sports in March 2026, followed by fall sports in August and winter sports in November.
- High School Pep Rallies: Each seasonal distribution will be anchored by a flagship pep rally at a featured high school, creating moments of recognition and visibility for student athletes.
- 6th Grade Athletic Footwear: District Kicks will provide all DCPS 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies with Under Armour athletic sneakers, reaching more than 1,200 students across 11 DCPS campuses. Available in multiple styles and colorways, the footwear is designed to help students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move, play, and take part in school sports and activities
- 6th Grade Kick Off Event: MSE will distribute the footwear as part of a celebration for 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies on March 3, 2026, at CareFirst Arena. The event will gather students for a high-energy, pep rally-style celebration, complete with interactive sports experiences and career-based learning opportunities. MSE will cover transportation and logistics for all participating schools, ensuring every student can be part of the day.
“Engaging our scholars throughout their transition into middle school takes commitment and creativity,” said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “In our 6th Grade Academies, students are given the tools to excel inside and outside of the classroom. DCPS is grateful to partner with Monumental Sports and Under Armour to provide resources to young people so they can thrive in programming that deepens their connection to school.”
About Under Armour’s Project Rampart
Project Rampart is an initiative by Under Armour to elevate the student-athlete experience and improve academic outcomes through the power of sport. Beginning in Baltimore in 2017 and having since expanded to Oakland and Washington DC, Project Rampart is a blueprint that ensures student-athletes have access to upgraded facilities, best-in-class apparel, leadership development, and coach training through specialized programming.
To learn more, visit about.underarmour.com/Purpose/impact/project-rampart.
About District of Play
Launched in 2024 as part of the Capital One Arena reimagination, “District of Play” is MSE’s commitment to expanding access to youth sports and wellness across DC. “District of Play” invests in youth sports infrastructure, creates new opportunities for underserved youth, and drives community impact through the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, Capital City Go-Go, Monumental Sports Network, and the MSE Foundation.
In its first year, the initiative reached more than 200,000 residents, earning recognition from Fight for Children and a nomination for a 2025 ESPY Sports Humanitarian Award. Learn more about “District of Play”’s momentous first year of impact in the 2024-25 annual report here.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour’s innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com.
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