Congress Honors Teen Who Helped Nike Create First Special Needs Sneaker

Matthew Walzer was shown love by the U.S. government for a pair of sneakers he helped innovate.

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The story of Matthew Walzer, the special needs teenager who inspired Nike to design a pair of sneakers for those who are unable to do such, has touched many across the world — not just those who are into footwear. The result of Walzer working with Nike, the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 8 Flyease, has earned him recognition from the highest honor: the U.S. Government.

The House of Representatives is now recognizing Walzer for "The Extraordinary Contributions to the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Community," according to a post that he recently shared on Instagram.

The statement in the honor is given by Alcee L. Hastings and says, "I am extremely proud of Matthew Walzer for refusing to back down from his goal and his actively seeking out a universal solution."

This is one of those moments where sneakers transcend beyond something that's just on your feet to items that can inspire everyone. That's an idea that a person, sneakerhead or not, can totally connect with.

Read the complete statement below.