4.11.2001 ET

(CSRwire) A first-ever program by Nike and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) means thousands of pairs of athletic shoes will be saved from becoming landfill – and a needy community will get a new basketball court. As part of the nine-city Earth Day Reuse-A-Shoe Collection, members of BGCA's SWOOSH Clubs will collect used athletic shoes that will get turned into Nike Grind.

"Sports and shoes are a great way for youth to begin understanding sustainability because they are something many kids relate to and get excited about," said Beth Weller, Marketing Manager, Corporate Responsibility-Development. "By participating in a program like the Reuse-A-Shoe program, these teenagers are not only helping keep stuff out of landfills, they are helping provide places for teens to play sports while learning at the same time."

To thank the teens for their efforts, Nike will donate a basketball court made with Nike Grind to a facility of the clubs' choice. The clubs will be given a choice of 10 locations in dire need of a court, and members will vote on the location. A Grind court is worth $40,000 and uses 2,500 pairs of shoes.

"This is an opportunity to have our SWOOSH Club members actively learn about recycling, as well as participate in their first national team effort," said Tim Richardson, Senior Director, Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, BGCA. "In addition, the teens will feel the spirit of giving when the floor theoretically comprised of their collected shoes is installed in one of the more disadvantaged Boys and Girls Club sites."

Nike has been actively involved with the BGCA for five years. Many clubs already have Nike Grind sports surfaces so this project continues that tradition.

NIKE Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, creates authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for sports and fitness enthusiasts. For additional information about Nike, its products and business practices, visit nike.com. News media also can register on nikebiz.com for access to a password-protected Web site that contains time-sensitive, long-lead information.