The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones and a member of the 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Rookie Second Team recently traveled to the Philippines to attend a dedication of a basketball court and youth clinic in Gawad Kalinga Village at Enchanted Farm Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK) in Angat, Bulacan, a local non-profit organization that aims to alleviate poverty through affordable housing and community development programs.
As part of the league-wide NBA 75th Live, Learn or Play initiative to create and inaugurate more than 100 new NBA Cares Live, Learn or Play centers during the 2021-22 season, the project included the grand opening of a newly renovated basketball court and an NBA Cares Youth Clinic for 30 boys and girls ages 18 and under from GK and the Jr. NBA program in the Philippines. Jones helped run the clinic alongside Jr. NBA coaches and spoke to young players about the importance of an active, healthy life and the positive values of sport. Participants also engaged in agricultural activities, including vegetable growing and plant propagation, and learned about the importance of sustainable agriculture.
“I am grateful to be part of the League’s effort to give back to communities around the world through this Philippine Courts Revitalization Project,” said Jones. “It was a great opportunity to create memorable experiences for young people and inspire them to play the game I love in a fun and safe environment.”
NBA Cares is the league’s global social responsibility program that builds on the NBA’s mission to address important social issues in the United States and around the world. Internationally, NBA Cares has created more than 360 places in 40 countries and territories where children and families can live, learn or play. In July 2017, the NBA worked with a developer to rehabilitate an indoor court in Santa Mesa, Manila, as part of a regional NBA Cares initiative that renovated courts in Southeast Asia. The NBA Cares Youth Clinic was also supported by Energen Champion, the official chocolate drink of the NBA in the Philippines.
Since 2007, Jr. NBA Philippines has reached out to over two million youth, parents and coaches in over 190 cities and communities across the country, teaching life skills and core values of the game: sportsmanship, teamwork, positivity and respect. (STAR). Jr. NBA Philippines is supported by official partners AXA Philippines, Energen Champion and Gatorade.
For the latest NBA news and updates, fans in the Philippines can visit www.nba.com and follow the NBA on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: www.nba.com
