2K Australia has commissioned a set of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind NBA 2K22 shoes to be auctioned off to support Indigenous charity Red Dust, which works to support the lives of Indigenous youth and families living in remote communities. The shoes, designed by Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri Indigenous artist Allan McKenzie, sport a distinct rainbow pattern brought to life by traditional dot painting.
‘I’m honoured that 2K asked me to collaborate on one of their most popular games, which drove most of the inspiration behind the design of the shoe along with the game of basketball,’ McKenzie said in a press release. ‘It’s amazing to be able to have my designs auctioned off to a cause close to my heart, that ties in so well with NBA 2K22.‘
According to Scott Stirling, Red Dust CEO, basketball is a core part of the charity’s history, with founders previously working closely with the NBL to excite young fans across Australia and get them involved in the sport.
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‘Basketball is deeply embedded in Red Dust’s history. Our founder, John Van Groningen, was closely connected with the NBL and our first visits to remote communities involved NBL star players as volunteers,’ Stirling said of the project. ‘Their efforts inspired hundreds of athletes to follow suit across 25 years, engaging in inspirational two way exchanges with thousands of young Aboriginal kids in remote communities.’
This connection inspired the creation of the unique shoes.
The auction will go live on Monday, 21 February at 12 pm AEDT, and will conclude on 2 March at 12 pm AEDT, with bidders encouraged to donate generously to support a worthy cause.
