This initiative, combining recycling, environmental education, sports, and solidarity, ran from January 14th to May 15th. During this period, residents, families, students, teachers, athletes, and workers from the island deposited used sports footwear at designated collection points.
Driven by the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, through the Lanzarote Recicla environmental education program, and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation, the campaign involved 54 educational centers and collaborating entities.
The collected footwear will be sent to Equatorial Guinea, where a portion will be used in a Basketball Campus in Malabo and Bata, utilizing sports as a tool for integration. Before shipping, all shoes undergo a selection process to ensure they are in suitable condition for reuse.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted the community's response, emphasizing how the initiative links environmental protection with solidarity. The educational community played a crucial role, alongside contributions from individuals and various groups.
The Councilor for Waste Management, Domingo Cejas, stressed the second chance given to footwear, promoting the idea that recycling and reusing generate direct social benefits.
Since its inception in 2014, 'Solidarity Sneakers' has collected a total of 15,737 pairs, establishing a collaborative model that integrates environmental education, circular economy, sports, and social cooperation.
The campaign aims to reduce waste and give footwear a new life, connecting waste management in Lanzarote with social and sports projects in Malabo and Bata, involving public administrations, social entities, educational centers, companies, volunteers, families, and citizens.
