03.08.2019

Giving Back in the 404

Under Armour and Kent Bazemore Team Up to Provide a Safe Space for Kids to Play and Learn in Atlanta

Under Armour Basketball kicked off 2019 with its athletes at NBA All-Star Weekend focused on what matters most – the people. UA celebrated basketball as well as the values championed by the communities and shared by the brand and its star athletes. A number of local community giveback initiatives left an impact lasting far longer than the festivities of the All-Star weekend. Under Armour is continuing to support its athletes in giving back and celebrating the incredible bond between basketball and community, one that has given athletes across the globe a platform to achieve great things. 

 

Under Armour – through its UA Freedom initiative – and UA athlete and Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kent Bazemore, along with Nancy Lieberman Charities, were in Atlanta to provide a new outdoor basketball court at the Thomasville Recreation Center. Giving back to the city that has supported him since it became his home in 2014, Bazemore is proudly teaming up to provide a safe space for kids to play, learn and be the best version of themselves, supported by programming focused on positive mentoring from law enforcement.

 

Using my platform and gifts to give back to the community is a mission I take very seriously. To be able to do it with communities that are close to my heart - Atlanta, with Nancy and her charity group, and my team at Under Armour - it is truly something special. I'm blessed to be here and excited for the opportunities this will create for local kids.

Kent Bazemore

Before the outdoor court refurbishment

Before the outdoor court refurbishment

After the outdoor court refurbishment

After the outdoor court refurbishment

A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, March 8 at the Thomasville Recreation Center, located at 1835 Henry Thomas Street. Nancy Lieberman Charities and Under Armour will provide resources to Thomasville Recreation Center to utilize this court as a safe place for law enforcement to engage in on-going mentoring programs.  Collectively, Nancy Lieberman Charities and Under Armour believe that this state-of-the-art court can assist youth in honing their skills both on and off the court to provide a pathway to success and impact their community for years to come. Following the ribbon cutting, 40 elementary aged children participated in a clinic, including shooting drills, footwork and passing, conducted by the Atlanta Police Athletic League.

 

Bazemore leads the ribbon cutting ceremony

Bazemore leads the ribbon cutting ceremony

Bazemore speaks just before opening the newly refurbished court

Bazemore speaks just before opening the newly refurbished court

“Anytime in life that you get a chance to partner with people that you admire and know goes a long way," said Nancy Liberman, Basketball Hall of Famer and Head Coach in the BIG3 Men’s Professional Basketball League. "Kent Bazemore is Old Dominion family and we have a long relationship that goes back to when he played for the Monarchs. It is an honor and privilege to partner with Kent and Under Armour in giving the children of Atlanta a Dream Court in partnership with my Nancy Lieberman Charities." 

 

Under Armour Basketball and its athletes will continue to celebrate basketball and the power the game has to unite a community.