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closeTides athlete collecting used gear for senior project
Hurdus to travel to Honduras to deliver shoes, embrace culture
Marques Hunter
of the Gateway
Gig Harbor senior Jeremy Hurdus’ senior project is a mixture of sports with a Spanish kick. The varsity soccer and tennis player will travel to Honduras next month to hand deliver soccer gear to the less fortunate who live in the port city of La Ceiba.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Hurdus, who will spend three days there. “Hopefully, it turns out to be a really good experience.”
Hurdus’ project is called “Sole Mates.” His goal is to collect 75 pairs of shoes, but he’s looking to collect as much as possible.
Hurdus has been passing out fliers around the community and has visited businesses like the Peninsula Athletic Association and the Harbor Soccer Club to gather soccer equipment. He’s been spreading the word to friends at school and asking them to rummage through their closest and donate old shoes.
Honduras is the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti and Nicaragua, according to the World Bank.
The idea to help the less fortunate in a Latin American country came from Hurdus’ interest in playing soccer and the Hispanic culture. He wasn’t sure if his plan to visit Honduras was feasible, but his father, a teacher at Clover Park High School in Lakewood, teaches a Honduran student.
The rest was easy.
“Everything just fit into place,” Hurdus said.
La Ceiba is considered a tourist city. Although he may not be traveling to the most impoverished parts of the country, Hurdus said an opportunity to play soccer with Latin American players and provide additional gear will be an amazing experience.
Hurdus said he’s excited to immerse himself in an unfamiliar culture and use some Spanish that he’s been learning throughout his school years.
“I really want to spend time and come back with an understanding,” Hurdus said.
So far, his tubs are filling up. The time to leave is getting closer.
‘Sole Mates’
There is a “Sole Mates” collection box at the Gig Harbor Boys & Girls Club if anybody has old shoes or soccer gear they would like to donate to Jeremy Hurdus’ senior project. Also, if anyone wants to contact him, his number is 253-858-3667.