We had some great news via an announcement by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Recently, CMS made the decision based on budget cuts to eliminate the majority of middle school athletic programs. Many community leaders, educators, students and parents were very concerned about how the youth in Charlotte would be negatively impacted if middle school sports were eliminated. True, some kids in more affluent areas could make up for the lack of school athletics in rec leagues, however kids in low-income families can't always afford it, or have one or both parents working, and simply don't have time. Well that has all changed, and a big thanks is owed to Charlotte businessman and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick. A $250,000 donation directly to the middle school athletic programs has come from Hendrick Automotive.
The official CMS Press Release:
Teenagers and parents in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area received great news today thanks to Mr. Hendrick. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) announced a $250,000 sponsorship from Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrickcars.com to support middle school sports. Due to budget shortfalls, CMS drastically cut the middle school sports program. The contribution, along with a gift from an unidentified source, provides enough funding for the school system to provide a full slate of 13 sports at the district’s 32 middle schools for the upcoming school year.