When Franco Pacific, Assistant Head Coach of Operations for Nike, said that “It’s a perfect fit,” he wasn’t referring to sneaker size.

What Franco was talking about was the blossoming relationship between Nike and the YAI Network.

Franco, who has been working at Nike’s Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall location in Garden City, NY for a year and a half, learned about the YAI Network through a chance meeting with Bonnie Holtzman, Employment Services Supervisor at YAI’s Long Island Supported Work and Training (SWAT) program. Bonnie visited the store with her 11-year-old son to shop for football gear and, upon meeting Franco, asked him if Nike ever donated merchandise. 

In the go-green spirit, the Nike company does not want to be wasteful, Franco explained to Bonnie, highlighting that the floor of the Roosevelt Field’s store was designed using the rubber soles of worn-out sneakers. He continued, “we don’t sell any of the apparel that we put on mannequins or use in displays.” And as green-fate would have it, the Nike store was looking for a worthwhile organization to donate the never-been-used gear.

Taking a cue from Nike’s “Just Do It” motto, Franco decided on the spot to donate boxes of sneakers and sportswear for Bonnie to distribute to program participants at SWAT.

To further develop Nike’s relationship with the YAI Network, Franco recently visited with Bonnie and toured the Long Island SWAT program. He was greeted by a group of 15 smiling people with developmental disabilities – many of whom currently work full- or part-time. In addition to getting to know the recipients of Nike’s donations, Franco also spent time learning about the vocational skills taught by YAI staff to better prepare participants for the working world.

“When I first met Bonnie, it was clear to me that she had a huge heart and was so passionate for her work,” said Franco. “But coming here to the program just solidifies for me the quality of the work being done. YAI really teaches both soft and hard skills to ensure that all people are treated with the respect and dignity that every human being deserves.”

Franco’s tour of SWAT, to the delight of everyone, culminated with the distribution of Nike gear. SWAT participants were all smiles as Franco unloaded box (upon box upon box!) of top-line sneakers, basketball jerseys, dri-fit tshirts and Nike Pro sweatshirts.

 “Look at all of the Nike shirts that I got!” said an enthusiastic Fotios as he held up his brand new Nike “Baller” basketball jersey. Fotios, who has been employed at the ShopRite supermarket in Plainview, NY since 2008, is a big LA Lakers fan and plans to wear his new gear proudly when he plays basketball at the park near his home. “Nike is so nice for donating all of this to us!” he added.

Jodi, who is learning new vocational skills at YAI's Job Club while she looks for a job, shared in Fotios’ sentiments. “Franco brought really beautiful shirts to everyone here. I love to watch hockey and football and I love my new Nike jacket.”

Part of Nike’s mission statement is to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Bill Bowerman, Nike’s founder, defined an athlete as anyone who has a body. “Anyone who wants to be an athlete is one,” said Franco, “and Nike believes firmly in filling our mission statement by forming community partners to recognize the values and the athlete within all of us. This matches YAI’s mission that everyone – whether they have a slight or a severe disability – has the right to a life of independence and dignity.”

As Franco said his goodbyes to his new Nike-clad friends at YAI, he shared his excitement about returning again soon. “To see the enormous smiles on the faces of everyone here when they get the gear Nike is donating – that makes it all worth it. You can’t put words on that feeling.”