Over three hundred of pairs of shoes made their way to Andros Islands in the Bahamas this April thanks to Oak Hall senior Brittney Olinger. Olinger started ReRun Sneakers to provide running shoes and supplies to aspiring runners in under privileged areas.
As a runner she understands the effort that goes into every stride and the equipment needed to do so.
"We understand how hard it is to train for races and put on miles throughout the season, and it was hard to believe these young runners were forced to do it without shoes."
She picked Andros Island after she saw photos of runners from their Oak Hall sister school running in bare feet or simply socks. None of this would be possible without the support Olinger has received from running stores, local runners, and the running community nationwide. She hopes to have more "ambassadors" at high schools across the country to spread the word and help other nations out with these training shoes. Her next task is to raise more than 500 pairs for schools in Jamaica.
"We have different schools across Florida and the nation that have jumped in and helped us with shoe drives and raising money for shipping which is a huge help. I will be traveling to Jamaica on a mission trip on the first week of December. ReRun Sneakers has a contact there who is finalizing details with a few schools and orphanages, and I am very excited to personally deliver the shoes to these children."
When she isn't working on this project she is also a member of Chain Reaction, a high school student ran charity for the March of Dimes that raises money and awareness for premature babies.She maintains a 4.8 grade point average and is the captain of the 2012 state championship cross country team. Olinger says she was honored to be named the New Balance Local Hero winner for Florida.
"I've done lots of things throughout high school that I'm very passionate about, but I didn't expect to be recognized for them. It's very exciting and I'm very thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way. Having a party and getting New Balance gear with my teammates will be so much fun. I love my team, and we always have a blast together. I'm really looking forward to it!"
