The NCAA, its Corporate Partner Dove, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Mid-American Conference unveiled a renovated basketball court that will be used to inspire youth and promote sports activities as part of the 2024 Women's Final Four Legacy Project presented by Dove at Boys Hope Girls Hope in Cleveland.
The Legacy Project initiative leaves a lasting footprint in the host city for the NCAA Women's Final Four after the championship games and weeklong activities have concluded. Title sponsor Dove, which is a brand of parent company Unilever, provides essential resources and support for the renovation projects.
"I grew up in the greater Cleveland area, and I remember playing basketball at a nonregulation hoop on a dirt court in my backyard as a kid," said Lynn Holzman, NCAA vice president of women's basketball. "It is my sincerest hope that kids today — some of whom perhaps aspire to play college basketball as I did — can feel proud of this court while playing and learning the same lessons of sportsmanship, perseverance, teamwork and physical activity that basketball taught me. I am filled with gratitude for those who made today possible, especially Dove and our friends here in the local organizing committee and MAC."
"As a proud champion for women's sports, Dove is on a mission to help make sports a place where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong. As part of this ongoing commitment to keep girls in the game, Dove co-created the Body Confident Sport program, in partnership with Nike — a first-of-its-kind and scientifically proven free digital tool for coaches to help build body confidence in 11- to 17-year-old girls. The Body Confident Sport program aims to reach 1 million young people annually and is one of many no-cost, academically proven resources from the Dove Self-Esteem Project," Dove said in a statement.
After the ceremony that unveiled the new court and a mural inspired by the learners of Boys Hope Girls Hope, attendees were given a tour of the community center, where additional campus upgrades and product donations were provided by Dove. Boys Hope Girls Hope, whose facility houses the new court, offers programming, housing and meeting facilities for local youth and the broader community.
The unveiling ceremony included remarks from David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission; Jon Steinbrecher, commissioner of the MAC; Holzman, of the NCAA; John McBride, executive director of Boys Hope Girls Hope; Lauren Baker of Dove; and Nic Barlage, chief executive officer of Rock Entertainment. The emcee for the event was Nicole Marcellino with Fox 8 Cleveland.
The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the MAC are the host organizations for the 2024 Women's Final Four and provided local guidance for the Legacy Project.
"When we host large-scale events like this in Cleveland, it's important to involve the community and ensure there's a lasting impact beyond just the short-term economic benefit," said Gilbert, of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. "The refurbished court at Girls Hope Boys Hope will provide a high-quality basketball venue to the student-age athletes for years to come."
"Inspiring youth through the game of basketball goes beyond the court. It's about instilling values of sportsmanship, teamwork and determination that transcend the game itself," the MAC's Steinbrecher said. "We're immensely grateful to Dove for their support in making this possible, and to all involved in the 2024 Women's Final Four Legacy Project. Together with our friends at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, we're leaving a lasting impact on the Cleveland community and empowering the next generation."
On Thursday, Boys Hope Girls Hope will also host the Hope Collective Girls Conference in partnership with Dove, which will emphasize body confidence and self-care techniques and provide hygiene products and other items to participating youth.
"We are incredibly grateful for the Legacy Court Project, a one-of-a-kind investment in our Campus of Hope and the young people who will enjoy this court for many years to come," said McBride, of Boys Hope Girls Hope. "We are especially appreciative of the NCAA Women's Final Four, Dove and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, who have been working for months to make this amazing project a reality for our community. This opportunity cements Boys Hope Girls Hope as a beacon of hope for our scholars, our families and the city of Garfield Heights, and deepens our impact in creating change for our entire community."
The 2024 Women's Final Four begins Friday, with the semifinal games at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN. The championship game will be Sunday on ABC. All games will be at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
