New Spikes, New Season: How One Donation Helped a Runner from Oaxaca, Mexico

When a pair of shoes means the difference between sitting out or stepping up.

Oax Sport supports athletes in underserved areas of Oaxaca, Mexico—places where talent is abundant, but opportunities are limited. One recent donation from long-time volunteer and supporter Emma Francey, an Australian living in France, helped athlete Juan Victoria replace his torn track spikes with a new pair of Nike Victory 2s, just in time for the competitive season.

Why This Matters

For athletes like Juan, who trains daily and competes in national-level meets, proper footwear is essential. His old spikes had completely worn out, affecting both his training and race performance. When Emma learned about Juan’s situation, she stepped in with support that covered more than half the cost of new elite-level shoes.

Juan paid the remaining cost himself. At Oax Sport, we believe in shared responsibility—our athletes stay committed, and our supporters help make their goals possible.

“He bought the shoes for $3,200 pesos and I sent him your support,” wrote Fahad Hizam, Oax Sport’s director. “Thanks a lot, much needed help.”

“Having the right shoes made a real difference in how I felt at the starting line,” Juan said. “It gave me confidence to focus on my race, not on whether my gear would hold up.”

More Than a Donation

Emma’s support didn’t stop at one gift. She also signed up for monthly donations to Oax Sport, helping athletes with equipment, travel, and training needs throughout the year.

“Supporting Oax Sport is a real privilege,” Emma shared. “I know the money goes straight to the athletes and really helps them achieve their goals. Not only that, sports are a fantastic way of strengthening communities and supporting people.”

Emma contributes as a volunteer writer and is listed on our members page as a contributor. Her recurring support ensures that athletes like Juan have access to resources they otherwise couldn’t afford.

Emma Francey, long-time Oax Sport supporter and volunteer writer.

The Impact: National Competition Ready

Juan already put the new shoes to the test. He competed at the Festival de Atletismo El Espinal 2025 this March—and performed exceptionally well, opening his season with confidence and strong results.

His focus showed from the moment he laced up.

“I’m grateful for the support and the new spikes—they helped me stay focused and run my best. It means a lot to know someone believes in me,” Juan said.

These spikes weren’t a luxury. They were essential.

You can see the model here: Nike Victory 2 – Nike.com

Follow Juan’s journey on LinkedIn.

Who Is Juan Victoria?

Juan Zurita Victoria is an accomplished track athlete from Magdalena Apasco, Oaxaca, a rural municipality located about 25 km north of Oaxaca City. Known for its strong sense of community and agricultural economy, Magdalena Apasco has limited access to professional sports infrastructure. Despite this, it has become home to one of Oaxaca’s top middle-distance runners.

Juan specializes in the 800m and 1500m events and is a member of Titanes Sport Clinic. He holds an MBA from Universidad La Salle Oaxaca and is also an entrepreneur. He balances professional growth with sports and remains closely connected to his roots.

Despite his dedication and talent, being from a small town means his income can’t always cover internationally priced essentials like branded shoes, digital tools, or training equipment.

That’s where supporters like Emma come in—bridging the gap between ambition and access.

Why Gear Matters in Oaxaca

In regions like Oaxaca, Mexico, many talented athletes lack access to basic sports essentials—gear, travel funds, and training opportunities. A pair of spikes can mean the difference between making it to a national final or missing out entirely.

We’ve seen firsthand how consistent, targeted support shapes an athlete’s progress.

Track spikes like the Nike Victory 2 range between $160–$200 USD, making them out of reach for many athletes from small communities.

Want to Help?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a small donation makes a difference—this is your answer.

You can join Emma and others in making sure Oaxacan athletes get the chance to compete. One donation, one pair of shoes, one athlete at a time.

Learn more: https://oaxsport.org

Support Juan and his team for the upcoming Festival in Xalapa: https://givebutter.com/Xalapa2025

Note: Oax Sport is not affiliated with Nike or any brand mentioned in this post. This was a personal monetary donation by a supporter.

What’s one small thing you can give today to help someone keep going? Share it in the comments.

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🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Últimos entrenamientos antes del Festival de Atletismo El Espinal 2025! Juan Zurita y Mane Peña están listos para representar a Oaxaca en esta gran competencia. Con disciplina, esfuerzo y el apoyo de Oax Sport, buscarán mejorar sus tiempos y clasificar a más eventos nacionales. 🎯🔥@@ 📍 Unidad Deportiva Municipal, El Espinal, Oaxaca 📆 1 y 2 de marzo 2025 💪 ¡Apóyalos en su camino al éxito! Descubre más en OaxSport.org Atletismo OaxSport RumboAlÉxito

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