"In 6th grade, I ran a track race against a school in Boston where the kids turned up in jeans, hiking boots, and other non-athletic shoes. I realized then that it was unfair that some kids could get injured or not perform well just because their parents couldn't afford equipment that would keep them healthy and speedy. I've been thinking about those kids ever since and wanted to help make sure that other athletes could have their best races regardless of socio-economic issues," he said.
Fueled by his passion, he worked with Nike Boston EKIN, the Marketing Director at Heartbreak Hill Running Co., the Boston Public Schools Athletics Director, and the Head Coach of Boston Public Schools. Together, they provided high end running shoes to 65 student-athletes from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Nike, impressed by the initiative's success, has already approved re-implementing the program in Spring 2024. Congratulations to Gil for making a difference in his community.