Eduardo & Mauricio Receive Running Shoes

1. Introduction: Access and Equity in Oaxaca

In Oaxaca, economic limitations continue to hinder athletic development. Rural families often live on modest incomes, with little capacity to afford high-performance sports gear. Quality running shoes can cost over 2,000 MXN—nearly a week’s wages for many families—making it nearly impossible to purchase multiple pairs of shoes each season. The situation is worsened by heavy import taxes and minimal competition in the local sportswear market.

That is why donations like these are deeply appreciated.

On June 7, Oax Sport held a small but meaningful event to deliver two pairs of elite running shoes to committed young athletes. The gathering reflected our growing ability to deliver consistent support to athletes facing constant need.

Oax Sport Team in Attendance:

Diana García – Director of Public Engagement & Creative Strategy
Fahad Hizam – President of the Board & Strategic Development
Joanne Phipps – Eastern USA Liaison
Juan Victoria – Chair, Athlete & Program Support Committee
Luis Fabián – Volunteer Finance Assistant
Mane Peña – Lead Guide, Social Impact Running Experience

Guests and Collaborators:

We were generously hosted by a local nonprofit that empowers Indigenous women. As a gesture of gratitude, Oax Sport made a financial contribution to their work. 100% of the funds went directly to the women who organized and hosted the event.

2. The Donation: Shoes that Move Athletes Forward

Thanks to a longtime supporter based in Dallas, Texas, Oax Sport delivered:

ASICS NOVABLAST 5 (27.5 cm) to Eduardo Cruz Miguel
Diadora Equipe Nucleo (26.5 cm) to Mauricio Cantón Martínez

Athletes were nominated by coaches and selected through our Athlete & Program Support Committee. All decisions were approved by the board based on need, merit, and commitment. Shoe models and sizes were matched specifically to meet the athletes’ training requirements and fit.

With this donation, Oax Sport has now supported more than 12 athletes with performance shoes since starting this program in 2024.

Eduardo Cruz Miguel

Age: 22
Residence: San Francisco Telixtlahuaca
Club: Club Atlético Andrés Ríos
Academic Affiliation: Centro Regional de Educación Normal de Oaxaca (CRENO)
Specialties: 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 3,000 m steeplechase
Personal Bests: 5K in 16:00, 10K in 32:50
Recent Competitions:
- 4th in 3,000 m steeplechase at 2025 CONADE Macro Regional
- National Campo Traviesa 2025
- Tehuacán 2025
- Copa Nuevo León 2024
2025 Goal: Qualify for Pan American Junior Games
Next Race: Selective meet for National Cross Country 2026

“I want to sincerely thank the anonymous donor who made this possible. These shoes are not just equipment; they are a sign that someone out there believes in me. That belief has given me a powerful boost in self-esteem. Training while studying and working is not easy, but knowing I have support behind me makes the effort feel worthwhile. This donation motivates me to keep moving forward and aim even higher.”

Special Guest: Prof. Andrés Ríos – A Champion Giving Back

We were honored to welcome Prof. Andrés Ríos as a special guest at the event. Eduardo Cruz Miguel, one of the two athletes receiving shoes, was accompanied by his longtime coach and mentor—Andrés Ríos, founder of the Atletismo Club Andrés Ríos Oaxaca.

Prof. Ríos is one of Oaxaca’s most accomplished distance runners. His career highlights include a top-10 finish at the 2003 Macau International Marathon, personal bests under 2:15:00 in the marathon, and pre-selection for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Although he narrowly missed Olympic qualification, he was invited as part of the national support team and completed the international pre-Olympic tour.

His journey—from training in El Tequio Park to nearly being mistaken for a spy upon arrival in China—is part of the rich and inspiring history of Mexican distance running. Today, he continues to coach and mentor young athletes, guiding the next generation with discipline, integrity, and passion.

“El atletismo es mi vida, mi pasión, lo es todo y sin él no puedo vivir.” – Prof. Andrés Ríos

We thank Prof. Ríos for attending, for supporting Eduardo’s athletic growth, and for showing our community that perseverance and legacy matter.

Mauricio Cantón Martínez

Age: 20
Residence: Villa de Zaachila, Oaxaca
Club: Centro de Formación en Atletismo Búhos de Zaachila
Specialties: 1500 m, 5000 m, 3000 m steeplechase
Personal Bests:
- 1500 m: 4:44.39
- 3000 m steeplechase: 11:43.99
- 5000 m: 17:30.03
Recent Results:
- 2nd place, 1500 m CONADE 2025
- 5th place, 3000 m steeplechase CONADE 2025
- 10th place, IMSS-Monte Albán 2024 (12 km)
2025 Goals:
- Improve 5K personal best to 16:30
- Debut in long-distance track events
Next Race: Guelaguetza 2025 5K – a key tune-up event for fall competitions

“Receiving these shoes was an unforgettable moment. I am incredibly grateful to the donor whose generosity reached me here in Oaxaca. This kind of support is more than physical—it gives me confidence and pride in what I do. It makes me feel seen. It shows me that my goals matter. This gift gives me renewed energy to train harder, to compete with purpose, and to prove that their belief in me was well-placed.”

4. Community and Coordination

Oax Sport continues to lead in providing structured support—from athlete selection and mentorship to donation logistics and accountability.

Juan Victoria at June 2025 athlete support event

Juan Victoria, Program Chair

“Thanks to the work of our director, support is becoming more consistent. We hope to secure more donations like this to reach more athletes in Oaxaca. These shoes are more than gear—they represent motivation, encouragement, and trust.”

5. Volunteer Perspective

Joanne Phipps

As a liaison based in the Eastern U.S., Joanne Phipps helps coordinate in-kind donations and contributes to grant development. “Our goal is to build bridges—between donors, institutions, and the athletes here in Oaxaca—so we can expand access to training, equipment, and opportunity.”

Joanne also played a key role in coordinating the safe international delivery of the donated shoes.

6. Reflections and Action

Every donation brings us closer to our mission: empowering underserved athletes with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Oax Sport Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN available upon request.

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Watch the Event

Get a glimpse of the June 7 athlete support event in this short video:

@oaxsport
🎥 Two young athletes. Two pairs of running shoes. This is what community support looks like in Oaxaca. Thanks to a donor from Texas, their journey continues. 👟💙🇲🇽 📖 Read the full story on our blog — link in bio. AthletesOfOaxaca RunningForChange OaxSport SupportYouth NonprofitImpact SportsWithPurpose
♬ original sound – Oax Sport – Oax Sport

7. Gallery

Athletes Mauricio Cantón Martínez and Eduardo Cruz Miguel smiling and holding their new performance running shoes, donated by Oax Sport in June 2025

Mauricio Cantón Martínez stands with his family after receiving donated running shoes from Oax Sport in June 2025

8. Legal Notice

Oax Sport is not affiliated with ASICS, Diadora, or any other brand mentioned. All items were donated privately and were not sponsored, promoted, or provided by the brands.

Products Donated: