BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Over 100 deserving Broward County middle schoolers gathered for an exhilarating event hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office on Thursday morning.
But the event wasn’t completed without a video message from NBA Hall-of-Famer/ entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal who blessed the students with new kicks.
“It’s just not about the sneakers, it’s about what you do with them,” said O’Neal in a video message. “So, lace them up, chase your dream and never forget the sky’s the limit, chase your dreams and never forget the sky’s the limit.”
The initiative, dubbed “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” provided new pairs of shoes from O’Neal’s sneaker line to pre-selected deserving youth.
The event also aimed to foster camaraderie between youth and law enforcement through the mentoring power of athletics.
“I’m very excited because I feel like this is an amazing experience. I’m happy that I’m here,” said Vanessa, a Broward County student.
“You got a new shoe brand out. What do you think about issuing out shoes to a bunch of kids?” And he jumped all over it, Shaq was like, ‘I’m in. Let’s get it done, Sheriff. Whatever you need.’ So here we are today, something that started out as just a concept of what’s right to do for the kids,” said Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony.
Some students attending Thursday’s event were selected by school resource officers at Broward Schools.