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Partnership with Lazy Sneakers to get shoes to young people in need

Melanie Giles, Sport Bay of Plenty Women & Girls Lead, came across the founder of Lazy Sneakers, at the 8th IWG Women and Sport conference in November. Maia Mariner (Ngai Tai, Samoa), at just 17, was the youngest speaker to ever present at IWG’s global conference since it was first staged in 1994. Mel learnt that at age 12, Maia launched a the Lazy Sneakers programme, a movement that has connected nearly 20,000 needy feet with 20,000 unneeded sneakers.

Mel immediately realised the impact Lazy Sneakers could have on the Bay of Plenty. There was already a need from primary, intermediate and secondary schools across the region, who had identified that equipment and shoes are a barrier for students to participate.

Mel explains: "Paying it forward, just has so much impact into our communities and for some who are whakamā (shy) about asking for help, together we hope to support our tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to get active the way they would like to through play, sport and active recreation with limited barriers and with comfort."

Tarawera High School was one of the first schools to receive sneakers. Mel and Whaea Eden delivered hundreds of shoes to the school who were delighted to be part of the great initiative. More schools will receive shoes in the coming weeks.

"Many of our tamariki in our community have barriers when playing sport,” says Tarawera High School Sports Coordinator, Eden.

“Lazy Sneakers has pulled one of those barriers down by suppling students with shoes to participate in different sports. They have also given casual shoes which can't be used for sports but has given many kids and parents reassurance that during winter they will have shoes on their feet. I have had students whose whānau can only afford one pair of shoes which sadly means their school shoes are used for all events during the week being sports, other activities or weekend roaming.

“It’s amazing to see the kids’ reactions when given a new pair of shoes to have that aren't their school shoes. We also have many kids that love playing different sports and the cost of shoes for two or three different sports can put a toll on the whānau so giving kids the opportunities to be able to play without that barrier gives all of us happiness and excitement to see them pursue their sporting activities.

“Even the second-hand boots - We had one child who has played many sports and participated in many different activities. They had joined the school soccer team but not been able to secure boots. When I had arrived back from lazy sneakers 10 minutes before her game, I gave her a pair of boots and said they were for her to keep - she was over the moon, they were second hand, she did not care but loved the fact she could be a part of the team and give it 100% with boots on her feet.”

Sport Bay of Plenty is now working with Lazy Sneakers, with the hope that this project will be locally led by our young people with support from SBOP staff who are working throughout the bay region.