adidas Basketball brought Donovan Mitchell to Panama to cheer on young athletes and inaugurate a newly renovated basketball court as part of his ongoing social activism.
Donovan has collaborated with adidas on numerous occasions to create his own line of basketball shoes. The DON (Determination Over Negativity) is a shoe designed for performance on the court and style off it.
The adidas DON Issue 6 was released in July, with a variety of color options, including a striking pink and blue combination. Mitchell has expressed his excitement for his new design, which highlights comfort, lightness and modern technology, especially his first shoe called “Panama” that will be released in November.
Mitchell’s connection with Panama comes from his maternal family, particularly his grandmother, who has been a great reference in his life, sharing the culture of his native country.
Donovan’s grandmother, Blossom Wright, was born on December 27, 1942 in Colon, and immigrated to the United States of America where she passed away on September 6, 2020. Her journey from Panama to Atlanta was filled with love, fun, and family every step of the way. She was known as Mama or Abuelita to everyone in her community, where she helped many people. Her family was the most important thing in her life, she was surrounded by those she loved and encouraged.
On Friday, August 16, Donovan visited the adidas Performance Multiplaza store to meet young basketball athletes, consumers and media. During this event, he shared what makes him proud to have Panamanian roots; how to deal with pressure in sports and how to fight for his dreams.
Donovan continues to collaborate with adidas to promote basketball, honoring his grandmother and his Panamanian roots, this time through his participation in a project to remodel a court in Miraflores Park, Panama.
The inauguration took place on Saturday, August 17, during his visit to the Isthmus. The event was attended by media, children from the community, athletes, musicians and artists.
Concept of the court:
• – Inspired by Mrs. Blossom, who was a key guide in Donovan’s life, the court design symbolizes her support and motivation through the use of flowers that represent personal growth.
• – It seeks to highlight the journey of basketball players, how they overcome difficulties to achieve their dreams.
-The birds in flight symbolize the search for light and freedom. With light colors in the center, a pattern with traditional Panamanian beads on its tail and Donovan’s favorite color (red) in its beak.
– The use of green and botanical elements with birds that represent biodiversity and Panamanian roots. In addition, these are the colors of the DON 6 “Panama” model.
– Panamanian beads, which Donovan’s grandmother used, have been placed in the design in a subtle but symbolic location: the tail of the bird, which guides its course and defines its trajectory, just as they have been present throughout Panamanian history.
During this event, Donovan received the Panamanian Basketball Federation FEPABA adidas jersey as a recognition of his global representation in the sport.
