Hundreds of Edgewood ISD elementary students are rocking new kicks, thanks to the San Antonio Spurs.
On Thursday, students in the Police Athletic League (PALs) took a trip to the Frost Bank Center, where the Spurs Youth Basketball League and Shoes That Fit, a national non-profit, surprised them with brand-new shoes.
“Seeing all the children so happy receiving shoes, socks, and backpacks—it’s such a beautiful event,” said Leslie Ortiz, a counselor at LBJ Elementary School. “This event gives the children something new, and having one of the players present to hand out the shoes made it even more special.”
San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones and the Spurs Coyote personally handed out shoes to the students, then stayed to sign autographs and take photos. The joy on the students' faces left a lasting impression on Jones.
“To be able to come out here and see the smiles on their faces as they get new shoes—that’s what it’s all about,” said Jones. “Hopefully, we’re able to change their lives for the better in one way or another.”
Alejandra Zamora, a student from Gus Garcia University School, was thrilled to receive her new shoes. She and her classmates compared sneakers and shared their gratitude for the surprise.
“One [student] said they really liked the shoes and that they were going to wear them to school because their old ones were falling apart,” Zamora said.
The event also featured games on the court, where students cheered for their teachers and coaches. Coach Jeffrey Olivares, from Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls, emerged victorious, earning his students bragging rights for the day.
In addition to new shoes, the students received Spurs swag, socks, and backpacks. They also became the first in the city to see the Spurs' new NBA Cup court, which debuted Friday night in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.