Sports Authority, MRA partner to educate public about melanoma

May 12 2014

Sports Authority, one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers, today 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.