ATI's Dual Mission: Safeguarding Stars, Uplifting Communities

GLENDALE, AZ – March 25, 2026 – As the nation's top high school basketball players prepare to converge on Glendale for the 49th Annual McDonald's All American Games, a critical partnership is working behind the scenes to ensure their safety and legacy. ATI Physical Therapy has renewed its role as the official physical therapy partner for the prestigious event, highlighting a growing trend in elite youth sports: the indispensable role of specialized medical support. While the on-court action on March 31 will capture national attention, ATI's involvement extends far beyond the hardwood, weaving a narrative of corporate strategy, athlete welfare, and profound community impact.

This year marks the first time the celebrated games will be hosted in the Phoenix area, bringing a new level of excitement and economic activity to the region. For the 24 girls and 24 boys selected from over 700 nominees, it is the culmination of years of hard work. For ATI, a national leader in musculoskeletal health, it represents a continued commitment to not only protect the next generation of superstars but also to invest in the communities that host them.

Beyond the Buzzer: Safeguarding Future Stars

The intensity of elite youth sports has placed an unprecedented focus on player health and safety. The McDonald's All American Games, a launchpad for countless basketball legends, is no exception. Recognizing the high stakes, ATI Physical Therapy will deploy a team of four certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) to provide comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of the event, including all practices, scrimmages, and the final games.

"The McDonald's All American Games showcase some of the best young basketball talent in the country, and ATI is proud to support them with our expert certified athletic trainers to manage injuries so they can compete safely at the highest level," said Dr. Chuck Thigpen, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at ATI Physical Therapy. "As a national leader in musculoskeletal health for 30 years, our certified athletic trainers help prevent, evaluate, and treat injuries so players can compete on one of basketball's biggest stages."

The presence of ATs is more than just a precaution; it's a performance enhancer. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), certified ATs are crucial for implementing injury prevention programs, providing immediate care for acute injuries, managing concussions, and overseeing rehabilitation. In an era where early sport specialization increases the risk of overuse injuries, the guidance of these professionals in taping, bracing, and proper conditioning is vital. This on-site expertise allows athletes to perform with confidence, knowing that a dedicated medical team is prepared to handle any situation, from a minor sprain to a serious emergency.

A Playbook for Business and Community

ATI's partnership, which began in 2022, is a strategic move that solidifies its position in the rapidly growing youth sports medicine market. By aligning its brand with a premier event like the McDonald's All American Games, the company gains significant national visibility. This strategy mirrors its other high-profile partnerships with professional and collegiate teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Phillies, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted provider for athletes at every level.

However, the company's investment extends beyond brand marketing. A core component of this year's partnership is a philanthropic initiative driven by the ATI Foundation, the company's non-profit arm established in 2003. This dual-pronged approach—combining high-level sports medicine with grassroots community support—demonstrates a holistic corporate philosophy.

"ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and our support of the ATI Foundation provides employees and patients with the ability to give back and support their own local communities," explained Lyndsey Stogdill, Sr. Director of Marketing, PR and Events at ATI Physical Therapy. The initiative for the Glendale games exemplifies this commitment, with a special in-game presentation planned to support a local organization.

Championing Inclusion: A Grant for Adaptive Sports

The recipient of the ATI Foundation's generosity is Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS), which will receive a grant to bolster its ASIS (Adaptive Sports in Schools) Program. This initiative is designed to bring adaptive sports to schools and summer programs, empowering educators to create more inclusive Physical Education curricula and motivating students with physical disabilities to engage in fitness and competition.

SAAS has a robust history of providing opportunities in sports like wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling, and wheelchair tennis, with a mission to make recreation accessible to all. The ASIS program, launched in 2023 in partnership with the University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics, specifically targets youth, aiming to normalize adaptive sports and foster a more inclusive future generation. The grant from the ATI Foundation will provide crucial funding to expand the program's reach, enhance educators' training, and raise community awareness.

"The grant being awarded to Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports shows our strong commitment to community support and the health and wellness of the athletes in these communities," Stogdill added. This act of corporate social responsibility ensures that the legacy of the McDonald's All American Games in Arizona includes not just the elite players on the court, but also a lasting investment in the health and well-being of local youth with disabilities.

Arizona Takes Center Court

The decision to host the 49th Annual McDonald's All American Games in Glendale brings a significant economic and cultural boost to the state. Drawing scouts, media, and fans from across the country, the event is expected to inject significant tourism revenue into the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses within Glendale's Sports and Entertainment District. Arizona's sports and tourism sector is a major economic driver, and hosting prestigious events like this further solidifies its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting competitions.

Beyond the economic impact, the event's arrival inspires a new generation of local athletes and deepens the state's already strong basketball culture. It also continues the Games' long-standing tradition of supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with Arizona McDonald's restaurants having already helped raise over $1.3 million for local chapters. This multi-layered community engagement, from supporting families through RMHC to enabling adaptive sports through the ATI Foundation, ensures the event's positive influence is felt long after the final buzzer sounds.