Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is giving back to kids in the local Washington D.C. community through a new initiative called “District Kicks”.
Led by the Washington Wizards in partnership with Under Armour and DC Public Schools (DCPS), District Kicks focuses on essential athletic gear, ensuring that student-athletes will have the ability to participate in sports safely and with pride.
“When I got my first basketball as a kid in Brooklyn, that single piece of equipment unlocked everything that followed—confidence, belonging, and the belief that sports could shape my future,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “District Kicks is built on that same idea: when you give young people the right tools, you give them the ability to dream bigger. We are proud to partner with Under Armour and DCPS to ensure DC students can step onto the court or field ready to compete and believe in what’s possible.”
District Kicks is one of the year two marquee initiatives of the District of Play platform and it builds on the success of last year’s inaugural effort, District Dribble, which placed nearly 30,000 basketballs into the hands of every DCPS student in PK3 through 5th grade.
Per the release, “The district-wide, multi-phase initiative will deliver Under Armour footwear to all DCPS high school athletes and celebrate milestone moments for sixth-grade students enrolled in DCPS 6th Grade Academies.”
“We are the Sports Capital not only because of our professional teams, but also because of the opportunities we create for our children,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This initiative is one more way we can make sports more accessible to more students, and we’re grateful for Monumental’s continued partnership and commitment to our city’s young people.”
Throughout 2026, District Kicks will come to life through a full year of athletic shoe distribution and programming.
- High School Sport-Specific Footwear: District Kicks will provide sport-specific Under Armour footwear to all high school student-athletes across roughly 22 DCPS schools, totaling approximately 5,200 students. Shoes will be delivered directly to school campuses and will be distributed in alignment with athletic seasons, beginning with spring sports in March 2026, followed by fall sports in August and winter sports in November.
- High School Pep Rallies: Each seasonal distribution will be anchored by a flagship pep rally at a featured high school, creating moments of recognition and visibility for student athletes.
- 6th Grade Athletic Footwear: District Kicks will provide all DCPS 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies with Under Armour athletic sneakers, reaching more than 1,200 students across 11 DCPS campuses. Available in multiple styles and colorways, the footwear is designed to help students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move, play, and take part in school sports and activities.
- 6th Grade Kick Off Event: MSE will distribute the footwear as part of a celebration for 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies on March 3, 2026, at CareFirst Arena. The event will gather students for a high-energy, pep rally-style celebration, complete with interactive sports experiences and career-based learning opportunities. MSE will cover transportation and logistics for all participating schools, ensuring every student can be part of the day.
“Engaging our scholars throughout their transition into middle school takes commitment and creativity,” said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “In our 6th Grade Academies, students are given the tools to excel inside and outside of the classroom. DCPS is grateful to partner with Monumental Sports and Under Armour to provide resources to young people so they can thrive in programming that deepens their connection to school.”
