Massena, Morristown and Canton schools will receive at total of $16,000 for new sports uniforms, according to Sen. Patricia Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

With the fall sports season getting underway, Ritchie says she has secured state funds of more than $20,000 in funding to support athletic programming in school districts throughout the North Country.

In St. Lawrence County Massena Central School District will receive $4,000 for the purchase of new football uniforms. Canton Central School District will get $7,000 for the purchase of new girls and boys basketball uniforms and Morristown Central School District will get $5,000 for uniforms

Funding secured by Ritchie will help to provide new uniforms and equipment for several districts in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.

“Athletics are a fundamental part of the learning experience, helping to teach students about everything from the importance of hard work to the benefits of working as a team,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am pleased to be able to provide this funding, which will help strengthen North Country sports and allow districts to continue to offer these programs, which help students acquire skills they will use today, and into the future.”

“Time and time again, studies have shown that student involvement in athletics has tremendous positive benefits when it comes to their health, grades and social skills,” said Canton Central School District Superintendent Bill Gregory.

“We would like to thank Senator Ritchie for recognizing the importance of athletics and look forward to utilizing this funding to help strengthen Canton Central’s sports programming.”

“When students get out of the classroom and get active, they are given the opportunity to build important life skills and improve their health,” said Sackets Harbor Central School District Superintendent Fred Hall.