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Foot Locker, Adidas in back-to-school partnership
MUMBAI: New York-based athletic specialty retailer Foot Locker, Inc. has announced the launch of one of its major back-to-school initiatives with Adidas.
The “Garnett,” the first signature shoe of NBA player – Kevin Garnett (KG) of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is advertised exclusively at Foot Locker and Champs Sports. Reflecting Garnett’s creative input in both function and fashion, the shoe releases with two distinct styles, a performance model, the Garnett, as well as two off-court versions – the KG Attitude Mid and KG Attitude Low.
“Both casual and performance product are key during the back-to-school season,” said Foot Locker, Inc senior vice president strategic marketing Stacy Cunningham. “We’re excited to partner with Adidas to offer the consumer the newest in style, fashion and technology.”
The Garnett performance shoe released 21 July for $100, followed by the KG Attitude Mid for $75 and KG Attitude Lo for $70 on 13 August. All shoes will be available in two colourways, white, blue and black, silver.
The shoe launches are supported by a fully integrated ad campaign created by 180/TBWA San Francisco including TV, print, and Internet. The campaign illustrates KG’s role as team leader and his commitment to his teammates, fans and family, in both his professional and personal life. The TVCs will air mid-July through mid-August on NBC, FOX, WSPN, MTV and Comedy Central.
Adidas Originals, known for their classic and clean styling, are important all year, and especially at back-to-school. Rolling out to Lady Foot Locker stores throughout July and August in exclusive colourways is the Somoa, part of Adidas’ Heritage collection.
On the women’s performance side is the Metaphor, a running shoe selling for $80 at Lady Foot Locker. It’s available in silver, diva pink with the exclusive “Hot Shot” apparel collection.
Both Lady Foot Locker packages are supported with television ads, which are created by AKA Advertising, New York and will be on MTV, BET, VH-1, E!, and networks in spot markets.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
