Hawks celebrate ‘Kid’s Night’ by spotlighting BlazeSports America with halftime practice and check presentation
ATLANTA – As part of the ‘Children’s Night’ celebration, the Atlanta Hawks announced additional support for the Jr. BlazeSports America’s Hawks Wheelchair Basketball to help with items such as training facility expenses, athlete travel support, team uniforms and equipment repair.
During halftime of the game against Charlotte, the Hawks Basketball Development Department presented a $20,000 donation on behalf of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation to BlazeSports America Executive Director Dawn Churi. Nearly 60 young athletes, coaches and parents from the Jr. Hawks attended Sunday’s game, with the athletes taking part in a scrimmage on the Hawks’ court during halftime.
“We are excited to continue this incredible partnership with the Jr. BlazeSports America’s Hawks Wheelchair Basketball,” said Babul. “By providing this support, we hope these athletes can make the most of it and focus on playing the game they love.”
Last week, the Hawks were recognized at BlazeSports America’s ‘Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards’ as the ‘Volunteer Organization of the Year’. BlazeSports’ Triumph of the Human Spirit Gala honored those who have made a significant impact through adaptive sport and recreation.
These awards honor individuals, groups and organizations that demonstrate qualities beyond athletic achievement such as leadership, a positive attitude and that truly inspire, motivate and epitomize the Triumph of the Human Spirit.
“We are excited and honored to continue our relationship with the Atlanta Hawks,” said Dawn Churi, executive director of BlazeSports. “The Hawks have provided immeasurable contributions to Blaze over the past few years and this year we honor them and their outstanding contributions at our Triumph of the Human Spirit event with the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award. There is no organization that deserves more recognition and we look forward to deepening our relationship this year and beyond.”
The Atlanta Jr. Wheelchair Basketball Program. BlazeSports America’s Hawks is one of the fastest growing and successful youth wheelchair basketball programs in the Southeast. Young athletes ages seven to 18 can participate in this seven-month program, which is part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).
The Atlanta Hawks and Hawks Foundation has supported the BlazeSports America Wheelchair Basketball team since 2013. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s mission is to increase access for Metro Atlanta youth to play, grow, and learn life and leadership skills through of basketball.
To fulfill this mission, the Hawks Foundation focuses on two main areas: basic access to courts and games, and volunteer training development. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation will improve and increase the availability of basketball courts, as well as provide scholarships for Jr. Hawks. In addition, the Foundation will partner with trusted leaders in developing a curriculum to ensure Hawks clinics provide world-class instruction for volunteer coaches.
