MSG Sports is committed to leveraging the power of its brands to benefit communities across the tri-state area. The Company is also dedicated to affecting positive change through social impact and cause-related initiatives including food donations, providing free educational resources to local schools and supporting non-profits and fundraising efforts across the region.
The Knicks and Rangers both run grassroots programs â Junior Knicks and Junior Rangers â focused on eliminating barriers and creating more inclusive opportunities for all kids to enjoy basketball and hockey. This commitment includes programs such as Learn to Play, a 10-week skills development program for kids 10 and under, and the Rookie Series, a 10-week recreational league. The Rangers have also been a leader in growing the game by offering girls-only programming through Junior Rangers Girls Hockey, an initiative that seeks to empower girls of all ages through the sport of hockey. In February 2021, the Rangers helped make history by working with the Professional Womenâs Hockey Players Association to bring womenâs hockey to The Garden for the first time ever as part of the Associationâs âDream Gap Tourâ to advance gender equality in the sport. Additionally, the Junior Knicks Assist program organizes charity basketball games to support non-profit youth basketball organizations through fundraising, increased visibility and community gatherings. And the Knicks support local youth basketball through equipment donations and court refurbishments, while also hosting free skills clinics and supporting local non-profit leagues. Both teams also celebrate home-grown heroes throughout the year, including awards such as the Knicksâ âSweetwater Clifton âCity Spiritâ Award,â which pays tribute to local heroes who have made a difference in the lives of others, and the Rangersâ âSalute to Our Troops,â which proudly honors the brave men and women who have served or currently serve in the United States Armed Forces.
MSG Sports also has a close association with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists young people in need. In partnership with MSG Sports, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and Sphere Entertainment Co., Garden of Dreams provides young people in our communities with access to scholarships; educational and skills opportunities; mentoring programs; and memorable experiences that enhance their lives, help shape their futures and create lasting joy. All of the Foundationâs activities target young people facing illness or financial challenges, as well as children of uniformed personnel who have been lost or injured while serving our communities. Since it was established in 2006, Garden of Dreams has impacted nearly 400,000 children and their families. More information is available at www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.