This week’s Spotlight centers on Kevin Rankin, a third-year in the Commerce school concentrating in Marketing and Management. Kevin’s involvement with Lose the Shoes began in his first year at UVa. As a lifelong soccer player, he naturally gravitated toward the organization at the activities fair. Lose the Shoes hosts a barefoot soccer tournament each fall to raise money for Grassroots Soccer, which educates kids about HIV/Aids in Africa in addition to teaching them soccer skills. “When I discovered the reason for the tournament was to help teach kids a safe and healthy lifestyle through soccer, I was instantly on board and jumped in to help any way I could,” Kevin said.
As the president of Lose the Shoes, Kevin works to boost fundraising and student participation in the event. “Fundraising is essential for our success and I believe that we need to put more emphasis on that aspect of the tournament. We can increase the support for Grassroots by increasing both membership and donations,” he said. Kevin hopes that involvement from the UVa and surrounding community will grow as more people become aware of Grassroots’ purpose.
To learn more or get involved with Lose the Shoes, contact Kevin at kor3hb@virginia.edu
