In honor of their collaborative release, Hasbro and Reebok have unveiled a larger-than-life Candy Land basketball court for the kids of A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club in Rockdale County, Georgia.
The court brings to life the heritage and communal ethos embodied by the brands, underscoring a collective and growing emphasis on grassroots initiatives encouraging youth movement alongside Reebok’s physical activity program for kids, BOKS. The Club, located 22 miles east of Atlanta, serves over 180 kids a day; nearly 500 members are enrolled at the site.
“With 82% of adolescents inactive worldwide and mental health issues on the rise, it is imperative that we provide kids with the opportunity to play and move,” commented Kathleen Tullie, senior director of social purpose at Reebok. “There is overwhelming evidence on the profound impact that exercise has on the mind: socially, mentally and physically. To that end, Reebok is thrilled to partner with Hasbro’s Candy Land and the BGCA to provide inspiration and access to physical activity for children in this community.”
A short film here profiles the Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Club and Candy Land court resurfacing project.
The vibrant surface, designed and executed by court renovation non-profit Project Backboard, reimagines Candy Land as a basketball oasis, nodding the collection’s lively Reebok basketball designs and the intersection of two adjacent worlds of play. In tandem with the resurfacing project, Reebok and Hasbro have donated 200 pairs of Candy Land x Reebok basketball sneakers to A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club members.
“We know how important movement and play is to children and envision a world where every child has access to play every day,” continued Tullie. “Boys & Girls Clubs provide an essential space and resources for children across North America and in partnership with them we hope to continue to provide additional resources and curriculum through our BOKS program and court refurbishments in a few key markets where possible. Life is not a spectator sport and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be a participant.”
The Candy Land x Reebok footwear collection is available beginning April 21 from Reebok.com, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Champs Sports and Hibbett Sports, among other select retailers.
