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The J.J. Watt Foundation has found a way to boost morale among young athletes

PHOTOS: J.J. Watt, others honored at Sports Illustrated's Awards Show
Posted at 6:52 AM, Apr 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-30 07:52:43-04

Milwaukee youth sports teams are thanking the J.J. Watt Foundation for new uniforms and equipment.

"When we got the video from them, I was in tears," Connie Watt says. "It's like this is why we do what we do."

But thanks to the J.J. Watt Foundation, 35 teams in the City of Milwaukee Youth Recreational Sports program received uniforms and equipment.

"One of the teams had t-shirts, ," Viveca Malendziak says. "They really didn't have a lot of shorts to match the jerseys. So it looked like it was more professional, it looked like we meant business."

"When they send the box down and we opened it up, and we were like oh yes, this is the one!" Ja Siyus Abercrombie says. "And we went to the bathroom and put it on and came back out, and we were hyper!"

And if you look good? You play good.

"Yes, we blew them out by like 30," Ja Siyus Abercrombie says.

"They played good defense. They scored the ball well. They played more as a team. I think they just felt better about themselves so it made them play better," Viveca Malendziak says.

"I think we all know that the kids just feel like, you know what? We are special. We're a team," Connie Watt says.

The uniforms covered kids in winter sports like basketball, cheer and volleyball. And uniforms will be waiting in soccer, softball and track whenever spring sports resume.

"I do believe that it gives you a different sort of confidence. And definitely pride, and like hey, this is who I'm playing for," Connie Watt says.

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