Kindergarten and first grade students from five local elementary schools are sporting new footwear this holiday season thanks to some special Santas from the University of Florida Athletic Association (UAA).

Gator athletes representing a variety of sports and employees of the UAA visited the schools before the holiday break and outfitted more than 400 students with new athletic shoes and socks.  According to Bryan Patterson, Life Skills Coordinator with UAA, more than 2000 pairs of shoes have been distributed to students during the six years the ‘Gator Tracks’ program has been in existence. Gator athletes, coaches, and UAA staff work to raise the money to cover the cost of the shoes and socks.

“It really is amazing to see the looks on children’s faces and the boost in self esteem that one pair of shoes can make,” said Emery Bishop,  principal of Rawlings Elementary School. “The students also really enjoy meeting the athletes.” 

This year select students from Rawlings, Terwilliger, Lake Forest, Prairie View and Duval participated in the Gator Tracks program. The program is just one of a number of ways The University Athletic Association and Goodwill Gators help students and schools through the Alachua County Public Schools’ Partners in Education program.  For information about how you and your organization can get involved to help students and schools, please contact the Partners in Education office at (352) 955-6900.