Shaq is ready for teen players to suit up and get back in the game, amid the pandemic. As long as they’re protected, we’re not mad at it, right? Shaq’s biggest endorser (Icy Hot) sure isn’t. They partnered with The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to award 23 high schools with Get Game Ready grants.

The grants help boost athletic programs that are struggling financially due to COVID-19, by providing PPE, uniforms, refillable water bottles, transportation, sports gear and mental and physical guidance as well as safety tips from National Athletics Trainers’ Association.

Schools qualified based on selection committee’s preference of “the collective impact on the students, the specific ask and overall need, the total budget available and the various regional COVID-19 protocols.”

Some of the lucky schools making the cut, include:

Ashland High School, Ashland, Miss Bonanza High School, Las Vegas, Nev.
Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta, Ga Hopi Junior Senior High School, Keams Canyon, Ariz.
John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Roxbury, Mass

Shaq witnessed how COVID-19 damaged a lot of high school sports programs, especially in Atlanta and Vegas, motivating him to launch Get Game Ready program.

“For student-athletes, sports are a vital physical, mental and social outlet, and it’s devastating to have something that fundamental taken away. We know how crucial athletics are, which is why we are so honored for the opportunity to work with Icy Hot and give back to schools and students,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “I really feel for all the kids who have had to cope with that challenge on top of the stress and isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which is why I wanted to do something to help.”

Icy Hot is funding the grant by donating $1 (up to $400,000) to The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation for every Icy Hot box sold.

For a full list of the 23 schools selected, click here