In middle school, Dmitri Thompson got noticed by a former professional
basketball player who was starting a seventh grade Amateur Athletic Union
team. This opened a world of opportunities in both basketball and business for
him and his brother, Dwight. While grateful, the Thompsons felt some guilt.
“There were so many talented kids like us in our community, we felt obligated
to pay it forward,” Dwight said.
From then on, the Thompsons were driven to find a way to connect the resources
they had with local kids to create an equal playing field.
The Rise League Co-Founders Dwight and Dmitri Thompson
They founded The Rise League in 2019 to do just that - provide young people
with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to succeed in business and
sports. The goal of the Orlando, Florida-based organization is twofold.
There’s a youth basketball program with leagues, tournaments, camps and
training clinics to help kids develop their skills and showcase their talent.
There’s also a business education program that focuses on four different
pillars of business.
“We teach the kids about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, media and
tech,” said Dmitri. “We want to help them reach their full potential on and
off the court.”
DICK’S Sporting Goods Community Marketing Manager Philip Birkbeck first
learned about The Rise League in early 2023 when he was researching local
organizations. When The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation launched the 75for75
Sports Matter Grant program, he knew The Rise League was a worthy recipient
and got the ball rolling.
“We really love when a youth sports organization looks to help a child
holistically,” said Director of Sports Matter and Community Relations Kristen
Garmey. “Not only does The Rise League offer basketball to local kids, but it
also provides them with financial literacy.”
According to Birkbeck, the Thompsons had no idea the grant was coming.
At the end of a one-day clinic, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation presented
the Thompsons with a letter announcing The Rise League as a 75for75 Sports
Matter Grant recipient. “It was one of the most surreal experiences we’ve ever
had in our lives,” Dmitri said.
The Thompsons with The Rise League youth athletes
While they weren’t expecting a grant, the Thompsons said it could not have
come at a better time. Earlier that same week, the brothers discussed
restructuring the organization due to financial obstacles.
“We had been doing everything out-of-pocket, and it was just really hard,”
Dwight said. “Now that this weight has been lifted off our shoulders, we can
focus more on the future.”
So, what does the future of The Rise League look like? The Thompson brothers
hope bigger.
“Our big future goal is to grow our organization in a way where we can have
our concept in multiple cities,” said Dwight.
The Thompsons also hope to one day host large annual weekend conferences and
open a Rise Academy school in Orlando.
“We just really want to inspire kids to try their best and chase their
dreams,” Dmitri said.