On September 9th, the University of Oregon football team will hit the field in a brand-new Nike Vapor Untouchable uniform and cleat performance system designed in partnership with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The head-to-toe look features inspiring graphics, modern use of color fades and camo patterns and motivating slogans personal to three brave childhood cancer survivors.
For the past 14 years, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patients have been invited to team up with Nike designers and developers, to create personalized, limited edition footwear and apparel collections that have raised nearly $17 million to date to help fund pioneering medical research, purchase state-of-the-art equipment, recruit leading pediatric specialists and cover the cost of care for families most in need.
This year, Nike is taking the Doernbecher program a step further, allowing 14-year old Joe MacDonald, 13-year old Ethan Frank, and 10-year old Sophia Malinoski the opportunity to collaborate with Nike designers and select U of O athletes and build an entire uniform system as well as sideline and fan gear.
Per Nike,
"“This is the first time we brought in football athletes to collaborate with kids on a full head to toe system of dress,” says Paul Sullivan, the University of Oregon Art Director for Nike. The kids met with their designers four times and the athletes twice, where they would collaborate, brainstorm, sketch and more."
"We will do everything in our power to play with the same tenacity exemplified by Sophia, Ethan, Joe, and wearing this uniform is a great chance to honor them and their spirit and efforts," says Willie Taggart, the team’s head coach.
Nike's annual Doernbecher Collection is expected to be unveiled sometime in October with the release taking place in December.
You can read the full story on the Nike x Doernbecher x Oregon Ducks unis here.