Pelham Gym Collecting Rejected Nike Shoes, Clothes For Charity

PELHAM, NY — Just as kneeling during the nation anthem sparked controversy, so has Nike’s new ad featuring Colin Kaepernick as one of the faces of its 30th anniversary campaign commemorating its iconic “Just Do It” slogan. While the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback has many supporters, there are also vocal critics who have pledged to boycott Nike and abandon all of the swoosh-laden apparel in response.

So the Body Blueprint, a Pelham-based gym, has opened its doors as a collection spot for all unwanted Nike sneakers and clothing.

Founder Vincent Miceli will make sure the apparel is donated and put to good use. In addition, he is pledging $10 for each item received to Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit that honors and empowers those injured while serving our country.

"When I saw people burning or cutting shoes, it seemed super wasteful," Miceli told Pelham Patch.

Miceli was already a big fan of the Wounded Warrior Project. "The functional fitness community is a big supporter of veterans," he said. "Charity is something important to us. That's what we wanted to highlight."

He is sure people will say he is taking sides. But he feels he's moving sideways to the politics.

"I feel like as a whole we are a very polarized society and it doesn't have to be that way," he said. “In situations like this people make rash decisions and I wanted to see to it that the abandoned sneakers and clothing were put to good use. This entire movement – or controversy as some see it – began with the right to do what you believe in. Just like Colin has a right to kneel, people have a right to boycott. There is no right or wrong here, which is the beauty of it all. It’s the great thing about living in America.”

Plus, he said, Pelham is a neighborly place, and the fitness community is very close-knit. "Sneakers - we tend to beat them up. This gives people who have the ability to buy new shoes a chance to buy new sneakers."

Donations are being accepted at The Body Blueprint, 625 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY, during normal business hours. The drive will last through September.

PHOTO: Vincent Miceli with a basket of Nike gear donated Sept. 6, 2018./ courtesy the Body Blueprint

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback made headlines — and his professional sports career later sidelined, not having played in the NFL since 2016 — for refusing to stand during the patriotic song that kicks
off each football game. While Kaepernick and Nike have many supporters, there are also vocal critics.

So far our readers don't support the campaign. Where do you weigh in?

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