Joe Ingles Sports Shoes For World Autism Awareness Day During Jazz/Bulls Game
Apr 2, 2021, 7:33 PM | Updated: 7:37 pm
The Nike shoes of Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz honoring World Autism Awareness Day are seen before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 2, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz forward Joe Ingles wore a special pair of shoes during Utah’s game against the Chicago Bulls in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.
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The Jazz hosted the Bulls at Vivint Arena on Friday, April 2.
April is Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2.
Ingles is the father of three children, including Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism in February 2019.
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, Ingles rocked a special pair of basketball shoes that featured Jacob’s face and a puzzle piece design.
Joe's shoes for #WorldAutismAwarenessDay 🧩💙 pic.twitter.com/9vHd9NyHUF
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) April 3, 2021
Ingles previously wore the designed shoes last season.
Although the Jazz forward was unable to wear the shoes in April 2020 because of the NBA’s pause from the coronavirus pandemic, Ingles was able to sport the kicks during the league’s bubble in August 2020.
The Kobe AD Nike shoes were designed by Andrew Lewis.
“Put together a fun pair of Kobe ADs for my guy @joeingles7 to pay honor to his son Jacob,” Lewis wrote on Instagram. “These were originally created to be worn back in April for Autism Awareness month but Covid had other ideas.”
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In addition to the Ingles’ shoes, fellow Jazzmen supported World Autism Awareness Day with special kicks of their own.
teammates showing support 🧩💙#WorldAutismAwarenessDay pic.twitter.com/m8NxQYDnnn
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) April 3, 2021
Before the Bulls vs. Jazz game, Ingles shared a message about Jacob on social media.
“We don’t talk about Autism for sympathy or pity. We talk about Autism to spread awareness and acceptance for those children and adults that are just as important as you or me,” Ingles tweeted. “I’m so proud of you Jacob, you keep being you. Everyday you continue to light up our day.”
We don’t talk about Autism for sympathy or pity. We talk about Autism to spread awareness and acceptance for those children and adults that are just as important as you or me.
I’m so proud of you Jacob, you keep being you. Everyday you continue to light up our day 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZYmVD7HSFb— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) April 2, 2021
Utah’s game against Chicago is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet and 97.5 FM.
