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EXHIBIT 10.17

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1050 W. HAMPDEN AVENUE, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80110
303•200•5050    •    FAX 303•863•2243

July 2, 2002

Mr. Larry Hochberg
275 N. Deere Park E.
Highland Park, IL 60035

Dear Mr. Hochberg:

        In reviewing our file regarding your healthcare benefits with Gart
Sports, we find several documents that contain conflicting information and are
confusing. Therefore, this letter is written to provide a mutual understanding
of our agreement to provide your healthcare coverage. This document supersedes
all existing documents.

        As you may remember the original agreement regarding your healthcare
coverage indicated that you and Barbara would have lifetime medical benefits
with a $25,000 annual aggregate deductible. After reviewing numerous
communications regarding your benefits, as well as the eligibility and benefits
for your current spouse, Sue, we believe you will find the following proposal to
be fair and equitable.

        Eligibility:    You will be eligible to participate in the same plans
that are offered to our active associates. As our active associates are offered
an opportunity to make an annual election, you will also have the same
opportunity. The annual election in usually held in October for coverage
beginning November 1stof each year. We will send enrollment information to you
on an annual basis. You will be able to cover yourself, and if desired, your
spouse, Sue, under the same coverage that you elect.

        We will cover you for lifetime healthcare benefits (as offered to active
associates, currently including medical, dental and vision). However, when you
reach age 65, we suggest you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B so you do not lose
eligibility for that coverage in the future. At that time Gart's plan will
comply with the appropriate Medicare rules in coordinating benefits. Sue's
eligibility will continue until the earlier of her reaching age 65, or your
death. Sue will be entitled to elect COBRA coverage at that time.

        Payment for Coverage:    Since you will be provided the same level of
benefit as active associates, your rate will be determined on an annual basis,
as are the rates for all active associates. You will be responsible for paying
the cost established for the plan that you choose on an annual basis. As long as
you continue to cover your spouse, you will be required to pay the total cost
for "Associate + Spouse" coverage. When Sue reaches age 65 and is no longer
eligible to be covered under the Gart plan, your rate will be the established
cost for "Associate-only" coverage.

        Mr. Hochberg, the healthcare plan that is offered to active associates
is a more generous benefit than the agreed benefit, as outlined in your
agreement of March 18, 1996. Thus, we hope that you will

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find this agreement fair and equitable. I've included highlights of the coverage
in the attached "Summary of Benefits", as well as a full Summary Plan Document,
which contains all the details of the plan.

        Currently, you have paid for your coverage from January 1, 2002 to
June 30, 2002, we will need to receive a payment of $2,636.70 which will cover
both you and Sue through December 31, 2002. This payment needs to be received in
our office no later than July 31, 2002.

        We thought this letter would help clarify the agreement regarding your
medical benefits. Enclosed is an original and a copy of this letter. Please sign
and return the original and keep the copy for your file, signing will indicate
your agreement with this document.

        Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact me
directly at (303) 863-2648.

Sincerely,    
/s/  DEBIE K. RICHARDSON    
Debie K. Richardson
Director, Compensation,
Benefits & HRIS
 
 
Agreed to on
 
7/12/02
 
     

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Date    
By:
 
 
 
      /s/  LARRY HOCHBERG      

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Mr. Larry Hochberg    
By:
 
 
 
      /s/  NESA HASSANEIN      

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Nesa Hassanein, Sr. VP for Gart Sports Company and principal affiliates    

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EXHIBIT 10.17