Glads Give Back at Sixth Annual Backpack Giveaway

NORCROSS, Ga. — Before the Atlanta Gladiators hit the ice for the 2026-27 season, the organization was already making an impact in the community.

The Gladiators partnered with Challenge 2 Get Fit for the Sixth Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, helping distribute backpacks while introducing children to hockey through the NHL STREET program.

Gladiators staff spent the morning interacting with families, handing out backpacks and teaching children the basics of street hockey. For many youngsters, it was their first opportunity to pick up a hockey stick, making the interactive experience one of the event’s biggest highlights.

Hosted for the first time at a new Norcross location, the annual giveaway continues to grow each year.

“We’ve been doing this for six years,” said Jared Gaitan, owner of Challenge 2 Get Fit. “We’ve done it outside of our facility the last five years, but we decided to do it here because it’s growing more and more.”

By the time of my interview, organizers had already distributed 1,088 backpacks, with only a few hundred remaining.

“We don’t require any sign-up,” Gaitan said. “Just show up with your child. The child has to be present.”

For Gaitan, the event represents much more than providing school supplies.

“I’ve been there, done that. I’ve always been in need since I was a little kid, and it’s very important for me to give back to the community because I know the feeling. I know where certain people stand, so it just feels good to give back.”

His organization’s mission has impacted families throughout the years.

“Yes, we have multiple success stories—from every culture,” Gaitan said.

Beyond backpacks, families had the opportunity to connect with organizations offering educational resources, healthcare services, and wellness programs.

One of those organizations was The Meliora School, a new tuition-free public charter school opening August 3 in Snellville.

Representing the school, Tiana Harris explained that Meliora will initially serve sixth and seventh graders through a mastery-based learning model that allows students to progress at their own pace while offering smaller class sizes, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

“It’s very similar to a private school, but at no cost,” Harris said. “As long as you live in Gwinnett County, there’s no tuition.”

Families also stopped by Ace Family Dental (Ace Dental Care LLC), where children posed for photos with Deadpool and the practice’s smiling tooth mascot while receiving toothbrushes and oral health information.

Dayromi Lozano, manager of handling operations and patient coordination for Ace Family Dental, said community outreach is simply part of who they are.

“It was a no-brainer. We’re always about reaching out to the community, doing events like this, and giving back to the people that give to us every day. Without our community, there wouldn’t be a dental office, so we’re just really happy to be here and be able to give back.”

Lozano said Ace Family Dental offers affordable dental plans for families and continues to look for ways to give back through community events and outreach initiatives, including an upcoming iPad giveaway for students.

While the backpacks prepared students for the classroom, the Atlanta Gladiators continued their mission of growing the game beyond the rink.

Leading those efforts is former Atlanta Gladiators captain and current Director of Community Engagement Derek Nesbitt, who remains front and center in the organization’s commitment to giving back one community at a time.

Later that same day, the Gladiators hosted their Try Hockey for Free event at Atlanta IceForum, where children had the opportunity to step onto the ice at no cost. Nesbitt skated alongside participants, teaching basic skating skills and introducing young athletes to the game of hockey.

The Gladiators also invited families to their upcoming Special Olympics Learn to Skate Event on August 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Ice in Cumming, continuing the organization’s commitment to making hockey accessible to athletes of all abilities.

Saturday’s backpack giveaway showed that the Atlanta Gladiators’ impact reaches far beyond the ice. Through partnerships with organizations like Challenge 2 Get Fit and local community vendors, the team helped ensure children left not only prepared for the school year but also inspired to try something new.

For the Gladiators, the day’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t measured by goals or victories—it was measured by the smiles they created, the families they served, and their continued commitment to giving back, one community at a time.

While the offseason has been filled with community outreach and roster moves, the countdown to hockey is officially on. With the addition of forward Max Neill and more player signings still to come, excitement continues to build as the Gladiators prepare to hit the ice for a new season.

The Atlanta Gladiators open the 2026-27 season on Saturday, October 17, at Gas South Arena, where they’ll host the Norfolk Admirals in their home opener. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to be part of the action.