Nike Inc. launched its NikeSummerShoes program, which will deliver more than 60,000 pairs of shoes, worth an estimated $6 million, to young people in 21 communities from coast-to-coast to help them get active over summer break through sport, dance and play. Created in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), NikeSummerShoes is a key element in NRPAs “Step Up to Health” initiative, which is designed to leverage park and recreation assets to promote healthy lifestyles and build more livable communities.
NikeSummerShoes will kick off in New Orleans, La., today with a free pair of shoes for every middle and high school student in the city, equating to a total donation of more than 13,000 pairs of athletic shoes worth an estimated $1 million.
“New Orleans is one of the greatest cities in the world in large part because of its resilience, its commitment to building a healthy community, its dedication to youth, and its love of sports and play,” said Chad Boettcher, director of US Corporate Responsibility for Nike. “We are excited to kick off NikeSummerShoes in New Orleans with help from Nike athletes and with support from this dedicated parks and recreation team.”
Nike athletes, including New Orleans Running Back Deuce McAllister, will be on hand at todays event to inspire local teens and to participate in a special presentation honoring the citys commitment to healthy youth.
“I would like to thank Nike for its commitment to our youth and the recovery of our city. These shoe donations create hope and excitement in our youth. This hope is crucial in helping our children to heal. Thank you, Nike, for continuing to believe in the capacity, aptitude and miracle that is New Orleans,” said Mayor C. Ray Nagin.
In addition to the New Orleans donation, NikeSummerShoes will also distribute footwear over the course of the summer in: Los Angeles, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; New York, N.Y.; Chicago, Ill.; Baltimore and Prince Georges County, Md.; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Boston, Mass.; Milwaukee County, Wis.; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.; and Portland, Ore.
NRPAs “Step Up to Health” is a national initiative designed to assist local park and recreation agencies in addressing health and livability issues within their community. “Step Up to Health” utilizes a proven framework that allows agencies to take a leadership role in impacting health and wellness locally by promoting and increasing access to physical activity opportunities provided by park and recreation agencies.
“The NikeSummerShoes program is an expression of our collective belief in the power of sport to change the lives of young people,” said Kathy Spangler, director or National Partnerships for NRPA. “With this incredible donation from Nike, we will supply every teen in New Orleans with inspiration and opportunity. It is amazing what one pair of shoes can do for a child. Now, think of the benefits of that, multiplied by a donation of more than 13,000 pairs of shoes and the resulting impact in one community such as New Orleans. Multiply by all of the cities involved in this program over the summer and the end result should be astounding.”
