Circular sneakers initiative kicks off

MORE aspiring young sportspeople will have an opportunity to stay active and try a new sport or activity, without worrying about whether they have the right pair of sneakers.

The City of Greater Geelong has joined Lazy Sneakers to bring its sneaker bank project to the region and its first location outside of New Zealand.

Local residents can be part of the initiative by donating preloved or new sports shoes at the city’s Leisuretime Sports Precinct in Norlane.

Shoes in suitable conditions will be given to children and young people who need them, so they have the appropriate footwear to participate in the sports they love.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the Lazy Sneakers project was a fantastic initiative that will help remove barriers, with sport being something everyone had access to.

“Now’s the time for community members to do a wardrobe spring clean and consider donating any preloved sports shoes no longer in use,” she said.

Councillor Belinda Moloney, chair of the Circular Economy portfolio, looked forward to seeing the preloved shoes put to good use.

“Not only will this initiative help community members participate in sport, it also reduces waste by giving preloved items a new purpose and diverting them from landfill,” Cr Moloney said.

“Removing the barriers to participating in active living and creating more equitable access to services and facilities is something council is passionate about.”

The initiative has already been supported by local business The Running Company Geelong which donated 40 pairs of runners in near-new condition to kick-start the sneaker bank.

The city will work with local schools, sporting clubs and community groups to provide community members with sports shoes.

Any donations that cannot be reused will be recycled through the Save our Soles initiative.

For further details on the initiative visit Lazy Sneakers online, or contact the Leisuretime Sports Precinct on 03 5272 4990.