Newest OKC Thunder Stars Establish Community Efforts
When it comes to earning a spot on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, with great power comes great responsibility. Following in the footsteps of Thunder veterans, new additions to the team are already stepping up.
Paul George Invests In The Future
Six months is all it took for Paul George to become heavily invested in his new community.
In late 2017, the Paul George Foundation launched its outdoor initiative in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The program, “Fishing in the Schools,” encourages students to discover a potential new hobby while spending time outside.
To kick off George’s new campaign, 45 elementary school students from Stanley Hupfeld Academy joined him at the Chesapeake Boathouse in Downtown Oklahoma City.
There, they practiced casting and reeling in a line before hopping on a boat with George himself.
Fishing in the Schools:
During the event, George announced his plans to sponsor the “Fishing in the Schools” program in 13 metro schools. According to OKCThunder.com, George said:
"“It’s really important because at this age you can really explore and really figure out what you want to do, what motivates you, what drives you and what you like to do. All it’s about is taking steps to achieve whatever you want to do. If fishing is what they want to do, this is the first step for them.”"
George’s initiative is a shining example of his leadership and passion for giving back to the community. And, he’s made it clear that his work in Oklahoma City isn’t finished yet.
"“I’m glad to start this and to get this off the ground. Oklahoma is home to me, so this is fun, starting this journey…I hope they become amazing anglers, but it’s moreso just getting them outside and understanding the importance of getting outside. I want to do a lot of philanthropic work. This is where it starts.”"
Paul George Raises Awareness
The Paul George Foundation is about more than fishing. This holiday season, George helped give back and make a difference by hosting the inaugural PG Christmas Celebration.
A party for seven local families of stroke survivors, the event featured laser tag (George’s gamer tag was “Father Xmas), Santa (George himself), and gifts.
Jimmy Do of OKCThunder.com reports that stroke awareness is a topic of particular importance to the Thunder forward:
"“George pointed to a time when he saw paramedics carry his mother Paulette on a stretcher.The scene of the ambulance and its flashing lights at the family house while helplessly watching his mother incapacitated was a jarring experience for a 6-year-old George.”"
Decades later, George has turned that experience into an avenue for raising awareness and providing hope for the children of stroke survivors. He explained:
"“It’s bigger than basketball or having a day off. It’s doing something impactful. This touches home; this is big for my heart.”"
Carmelo Anthony Doesn’t Waste Any Time
Still relatively new to the Thunder, Carmelo Anthony is already taking care of his new home. Only a few months into his role, the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, in partnership with Feed the Children, handed out food and supplies to 800 families in Oklahoma City.
Anthony told Forbes:
"“I am a product of people’s giving and sacrificing. Whether that be for shelter or for an opportunity. It’s important for people around the world to recognize that we all have something we can give. From time to money to resources. I’m grateful for the ability to give in the way that I do.”"
A Very Melo Christmas
The Carmelo Anthony Foundation also recently hosted “A Very Melo Christmas” for more than 200 students from Oklahoma City Public Schools.
The event included a private screening of the movie “Ferdinand,” complete with a red carpet meet-and-greet. Additionally, Carmelo encouraged attendees with a personal pep talk.
He told Jimmy Do of OKCThunder.com:
"“Just giving kids the opportunity to relax, laugh a little bit and enjoy a movie. The experience of going to the movies is having popcorn, having smoothies and candy and laughing and joking. Being there for those moments.”"
"“I think anywhere you go that you plan on being there for a while, you feel like you’re part of that community. But then you have to get out in the community, give back.”"
A Team Effort
In December, several groups from the Oklahoma City Thunder organization joined Sunbeam Family Services and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren for the 10th annual Target Shopping Spree. And this year, it was extra special.
As always, Thunder veterans, like Russell Westbrook and Nick Collison, participated in the Holiday Assist initiative. But this year also served as an opportunity for new Thunder players to experience the beloved tradition.
Thunder stars and entertainers took to the aisles of Target to spread Christmas cheer. Steven Adams’ blue Santa hat was too small for his head, but he didn’t let that stop him.
Donning a fur hat, he put on his best impression of St. Nick while helping his chosen family pick out toys. Meanwhile, Paul George played in the electronics section with another family in need.
It was a time to give back. A time to help those new to the roster experience what it really means to wear that Thunder blue.
Carmelo Anthony told OKCThunder.com:
"“The grandparents are the ones who need the help, who need the support. I don’t think they get a lot of credit for what they do. For us to be able to come out here for a couple hours and be able to take some of that pressure off of them and show them that we appreciate what they do, it makes it easy and makes it fun.”"
Raymond Felton added:
"“My biggest thing for these kids is to have fun and enjoy themselves. This is an experience they’ll always remember. This is something that is real touching to me. I think it’s something that every team around the league should do.”"
The holiday season is a prime example of how the Thunder organization aims to place deep roots within the Oklahoma City community. It is an honorable display of compassion, charity, and giving back. And for fans who call OKC home, shaping our community is often worth more than winning a basketball game.