Olympics

#DelawareProud: Elena Delle Donne's Gold Leads to New Pair of Nikes for Every Newborn at Christiana Hospital

"It all starts now": Around three dozen newborns received the sneakers and a special message, the hospital said

One of Delaware's most famous athletes took home gold at the Rio Olympics and that means each baby born Saturday in her hometown hospital is taking home a pair of sweet sneakers.

WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne and the U.S. basketball team took home gold in dominating fashion Saturday – beating Spain by 29 points — and in honor of that big win, the parents of every child born at Christiana Hospital in New Castle County, Delaware, on the gold medal day got a special gift Sunday.

Each baby born in Christiana Hospital the same day that Delaware's Elena Delle Donne won gold received a pair of special Nikes with an inspirational message about the state's favorite daughter.

The bright green Nike kicks — with an orange swoosh — came with a special notice mentioning Delle Donne being born in the same hospital on Sept. 5, 1989.  It just so happens that Delle Donne is a spokeswoman for the hospital as well as Nike.

"It all starts now. 26 years ago, it started in Wilmington for a little champ just like you," read the message. "And today, Elena Delle Donne conquered the world. Maybe, someday, that could be you. Or maybe you’ll choose to do something else. There really are no limits to your potential. Whatever you decide, get up. Get out. And get started. Life moves fast. And in these, it will move a little faster. Just do it. Unlimited future." [[390942751, C]]

The hospital, which says it delivers more than 6,000 babies each year, said it gave out around three dozens pairs of sneakers. Other hospitals in other athletes' hometowns, including Delle Donne's teammate Brittney Griner's birthplace, also had similar Nike promotions.

The hospital said it's "#DelawareProud" and can't wait to see what this next generation of Delawareans accomplish.

No word yet if any of the newborns have a jump shot.

[PHI Photos] Golden, Silver & Bronze Philadelphia-Area Athletes

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