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Shaquille O'Neal donates roughly 800 pairs of sneakers to Co-Op City students

O'Neal donated roughly 800 pairs of sneakers from his sneaker line after meeting five of the school's students at the Mall at Bay Plaza in November.

Erica Lunsford

Jun 10, 2026, 5:52 PM

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A chance encounter with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal led to a big donation at M.S 180 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams on Wednesday.

O'Neal donated roughly 800 pairs of sneakers from his sneaker line after meeting five of the school's students at the Mall at Bay Plaza in November.

The sneakers donated came in various sizes, styles and colors.

The school distributed the sneakers to the students during an assembly on Wednesday.

During the assembly, the principal of the school said he received a phone call stating the students left a positive impression on the NBA superstar while asking to take a photo with him at Bay Plaza mall during an event.

Some of the students who met O'Neal shared what the experience was like, and what it feels like to have sneakers donated to their entire school.

"It was fun because I never got to meet an NBA player and actually get to shake his hand. It was a good experience and everything. It was fun," said Anthony Rodriguez.

"It's like a blessing, ‘cause like stuff like this don't really happen too often," stated Navin Jaikern.

During the sneaker distribution, the school announced to the students that O'Neal was unable to attend the school assembly because he was preparing to work during Game 4 of the NBA finals.

With the students unable to express their thanks in person, hundreds of students recorded a “thank you” video dedicated to O'Neal.

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