University of Jamestown’s Barefoot Classic Returns
Basketball with a Mission to Bring Hope and Shoes to Local Children
The Jimmies welcome the University of Mary to Harold Newman Arena on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a doubleheader that is about much more than basketball.
University of Jamestown will transform the court into a platform for compassion and change as the men’s and women’s basketball teams host the Barefoot Classic in partnership with Samaritan’s Feet International. In a display of empathy and leadership, UJ Head Coaches Casey Bruggeman and Thad Sankey will coach their games barefoot, raising awareness for the millions worldwide, and the many in Jamestown, who go without proper footwear.
The goal is to collect enough shoes and donations to provide 500 pairs of shoes to local children and adults in need.
This isn’t the first time UJ has hosted the Barefoot Classic. Throughout the years, generous community members, local businesses, and alumni have come together through this event to provide hundreds of shoes and thousands of dollars in support.
The event draws inspiration from the journey of Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder of Samaritan’s Feet, who recently inspired the UJ community and Coach Bruggemen at the Leadertown conference. As a child in Nigeria, Manny’s life was transformed when he won his first pair of shoes in a basketball shooting competition, a moment that set him on a path to North Dakota and a worldwide mission to serve others.
As Manny shared, “Leadership isn’t about power; it is about people. God is looking for a leader that is willing to humble themselves and serve others. Service to others emancipates humanity from the dungeon of themselves.”
“After he presented, I knew we had to bring this event back to UJ and get our teams and players involved,” said Bruggeman.
How to Join the Movement
- Game Day: Men tip off at 1:00 p.m., followed by the women at 3:00 p.m. at Harold Newman Arena.
- Free Admission: Bring a new or gently used pair of athletic shoes (toddler to adult sizes) or proof of donation for free entry to the game.
- Advance Shoe Donations: Drop off shoes at the Rueben and Clarice Leichty Center for Faith and Life or Harold Newman Arena’s front entrance, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1 through gametime on Saturday, Dec. 6th
- Support Online: Every $30 donated provides a “hope tote” including a new pair of shoes, socks, and a message of encouragement for someone in need.
Donate directly at: SamaritansFeet.org/BarefootJamestown
“This is the spirit of UJ,” said Ohonme. “It is more than education here at the University of Jamestown. It is about leadership that helps transform lives, communities, and countries for the better.”
Come cheer on the Jimmies, support Samaritan’s Feet, and help ensure that every step a child takes is filled with hope and opportunity.
For more information, event flyers, and to make a donation, visit:
SamaritansFeet.org/BarefootJamestown
References
Samaritan’s Feet International. (2025). About us. https://SamaritansFeet.org
University of Jamestown. (2025). Athletics. https://uj.edu/athletics
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Jamestown, ND. https://censusreporter.org
About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the
bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.
