University of Oregon students have been working hard to collect 2,013 pairs of recycled athletic shoes on campus by the end of the NCAA championship at Hayward field in June. Led by Master of Business Association students at the Lundquist College of Business, they’ve already collected over 800 pairs as part of the “A Step in the Right Direction” initiative.
Striving to use the power of sports to create social and environmental change, the UO students are partnering with organizations such as Nike Reuse-A-Shoe and Playing 4 Kickz. The shoes that still have life will be donated to Playing 4 Kickz for children in need and the remaining shoes will be recycled with Nike Reuse-A-Shoe.
One of last year’s UO MBA student organizers, Mitzi Ing, said the support of each organization brings a sense of pride to the “A Step in the Right Direction” initiative.
“Nike Reuse-A-Shoe and Playing 4 Kickz are organizations that support the greater sports community in different ways,” she said.
Collection bins will be placed at the entrances of Hayward field at the Prefontaine Classic, May 31-June 1st, and at the NCAA championship, June 5-8. Other than these events, bins have been placed strategically around campus in athletic buildings, the rec center and even the Duck Store.
The Eugene community is encouraged to participate in “A Step in the Right Direction” by donating old athletic shoes on campus throughout June 8, and encouraged to drop off unwanted shoes throughout the year at the Nike Eugene store. All brands of athletic shoes are accepted.