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Kate Swanson

NBA Cares

Off the court, off the field, and off the rink professional athletes all over the world find the time to give back to society. Aside from the games, the championships and everything in between, some athletes do everything they can to make the world a better place.

NBA Cares is international organization that builds on the NBA’s mission to address important social issues. NBA Cares has provided over one thousand places where families and children can learn, live and grow. This program teaches children the values of the game. This organization has provided over four million hours of service.

Providing a variety of programs, NBA Cares reaches out to communities all over the globe. During the holidays the NBA community really comes together to give back. In the past, the organization has provided meals, clothing, and spent time with those in need.

Last year all-star point guard, Steph Curry granted many big wishes during the holidays. Fourteen children would be spending the day with Curry. Starting at his shoot around in the morning all the way to his game against the Knicks later that night. Steph got to meet all of the children, he surprised them with gifts such as basketball gear and attire. When it was game time the children sat in there seats close the court, the warriors team then went around and said to each one of them.

Every month a player is selected for the NBA Community Assist Award, presented by Kaiser Permanente. This award recognizes the player for their remarkable efforts to give back to the community. The season long winner for this year was Isiah Thomas. Thomas believes that giving back to the community is just as important as being an athlete. Isaiah hosted an event for children of Boston military servicemen and women. Isaiah also spreads holiday cheer by doing a toy giveaway for many families throughout the community. He also made sure to visit patients at Boston’s Children Hospital.

This year Oklahoma’s Russell Westbrook has hosted his 6th annual thanksgiving dinner at the Boys and Girls Club in OKC. NBA Cares has big plans this year to help those in need during the holidays. From granting to wishes, to helping in the kitchen, to hands on projects across the globe, NBA Cares is doing everything in there power to help.

If you follow @NBACARES on Twitter you will be able to see how players from all over the league give back. The NBA encourages everyone to use the hashtag #NBACares, to show how you are helping out the community.

Junior Brett Bessette said,, “I admire the work that the NBA does for the community, I think it would be great if our basketball teams could give back during the holidays just like these professional players do.”

Whether it’s visiting kids in the hospital, providing meals for families, or teaching children how to play the game they love, the NBA is sure to make a huge impact on the community especially during the holidays.