PHILADELPHIA 76ERS TIP OFF SIXERS YOUTH FOUNDATION WITH GALA, PRESENTED BY STUBHUB, MARCH 10 ON PALESTRA COURT
SIXERS YOUTH FOUNDATION DEVELOPING SIXERS-STRONG YOUTH
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 17, 2016 – The Philadelphia 76ers have launched the Sixers Youth Foundation, their nonprofit platform committed to bringing positive, meaningful change to the lives of young people in the Greater Delaware Valley. The Foundation’s programs will focus on neighborhoods where young people are at a high risk of experiencing poverty, insufficient social and emotional support, and health issues. The first-ever Sixers Youth Foundation Gala, presented by StubHub, “An Evening on the Court”, tips off the Foundation’s efforts on Thursday, March 10 and will be attended by Sixers legends Allen Iverson and Julius “Dr. J” Erving. The event is underwritten by StubHub and the Philadelphia 76ers ownership group, led by Managing Owner Josh Harris and Co-Managing Owner David Blitzer, who are the Honorary Chairs. For more information on the Sixers Youth Foundation and Gala, presented by StubHub, go towww.sixersyouthfoundation.org.
“The Philadelphia 76ers organization was built, from the beginning, as a team of the people. The game of basketball and its power to unify and influence affords us the opportunity, and even more so, the obligation, to do our part to make the world a little bit better,” said Scott O’Neil, Philadelphia 76ers Chief Executive Officer. “We see amazing talent, potential, and passion in the children of the greater Philadelphia region and we hope to do our part to help mold the next generation of leaders and innovators through the Sixers Youth Foundation.”
“We have to be there, be in front of the kids and the parents, and the sport of basketball is a great way to engage them,” said Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach. “My message to kids is this: Own the day–find your routine. Care for others –achieve one random act of kindness each day. Take care of your health–get enough sleep and drink enough water.”
The Foundation’s core proposition is that through the transformative power of basketball and engaged coaching youth will grow into the region’s future leaders. One of the programs currently being developed with faculty at Drexel University will use basketball and educational curricula to integrate academic learning with the development of physical, social, emotional, and behavioral skills. “We are so fortunate to have the expertise of Drexel University, the support of our community partners, and the encouragement of Sixers coaches and leadership behind the launch of the Sixers Youth Foundation,” said Amy Hever, Philadelphia 76ers Executive Director of the Sixers Youth Foundation and Community Engagement. “We are committed to reaching out into the lives of young people in our communities through in-depth engagements and community-based clinics to help them develop physical and emotional strength, a sense of personal well-being, and an attitude of teamwork and service to others. The Sixers Youth Foundation is proud to take an innovative approach towards generating real and palpable change in the lives of youth in the communities where our fans live, work, and play.”
