Boston, MA – October 2, 2025 – Today, The Sports Museum’s award-winning bullying prevention program Boston vs. Bullies celebrated reaching 300,000 students across New England. To mark the occasion, approximately 100 students from Caleb Dustin Hunking School in Haverhill and William Monroe Trotter K-6 School in Dorchester gathered at The TRACK at new balance for an afternoon of play, connection, and inspiration.
Boston vs. Bullies is a social emotional learning program that uses the power of sports to help students recognize, report, and refuse bullying. The program is delivered free of charge to schools and youth organizations across the region.
“Sports remind us of what we can achieve together,” said Rusty Sullivan, Executive Director of The Sports Museum. “Boston vs. Bullies taps into that power to help kids build confidence, speak up, and support one another. Today’s event shows how far that message has traveled.”
Throughout the afternoon, students played games on the basketball court, posed for photos with Boston Bruins mascot Blades and Boston Red Sox mascot Wally, and got creative with a temporary tattoo station. After a pizza lunch, they gathered for a conversation and Q&A on bullying prevention with Rusty and Team New Balance runner Kate Mitchell, a Boston College graduate and Lynnfield native.
“When students share their stories and ask tough questions, you know the message is landing,” said Michelle Gormley, Director of Education at The Sports Museum. “Today wasn’t just a celebration, it was a chance to listen, learn, and remind every student that they matter.”
As part of today’s celebration, The Sports Museum is also lighting up TD Garden in orange—the official color of bullying prevention. The lighting symbolizes the program’s purpose and dedication to creating welcoming environments where kids can stand strong against bullying.
About Boston vs. Bullies
Boston vs. Bullies is an anti-bullying initiative presented by The Sports Museum and the Boston sports community to stand strong against bullying. Through videos and activities, the award-winning educational program leverages the power and example of Boston sports to help stop bullying in our schools and in our community.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 12,000 associates around the globe, and in 2024 reported worldwide sales of $7.8 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England, and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales.
To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.
About the TRACK at new balance
Opened in April 2022, the TRACK at new balance is a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility in Boston Landing, designed for year-round training and competition by professional, collegiate, and community athletes. The venue features a dual terrain indoor track that converts to a field, flexible basketball, soccer, and volleyball courts, and the New Balance Sports Research Lab, which drives innovation through cutting-edge technology and athlete insights. Located across from New Balance’s global headquarters, the TRACK is part of Boston Landing’s premier sports hub, alongside the Auerbach Center and Warrior Ice Arena. Built with sustainability in mind, it holds a LEED Silver certification and includes a solar array spanning 72,956 square feet. Learn more at https://thetrackatnewbalance.com.