The Philadelphia 76ers and Penn Medicine continue to paint the town red, white, and blue after unveiling the latest in their series of newly refurbished basketball courts across the Philadelphia area.
It all began weeks ago when a team of 30 volunteers from the 76ers and Penn Medicine went to Rufus Williams Basketball Court to pick up trash and clean the court in preparation for the complete renovation. The Sixers and Penn Medicine have long shown a desire to restore and remake crucial community spaces for Philadelphia’s youth and their families.
Last year, the two organizations partnered for multiple court cleanups, teaming up with the Doctor himself, Julius Erving, for the court refresh at Roberto Clemente Park in Spring Garden and hosting a separate event at Farnham Park in Camden, New Jersey.
This year, the Sixers rolled out the legends once again as former Sixers Marc Jackson, World B. Free, and Allen Iverson pitched in to help the project. Representatives from the Sixers organization, Penn Medicine, and the City of Philadelphia, including City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, were also present for the ribbon-cutting which took place on Wednesday, June 18.
During the ceremony, speakers addressed the crowd and discussed what this new court will bring to the community.
In addition to unveiling this court, the Sixers and Penn Medicine honored six organizations that participated in their Assists for Safe Communities Program. Last season, for every assist made by a Sixers player, the team and Penn Medicine donated $76. In total, the team tallied 1,901 assists, raising a total of $144,476.
The organizations honored included Shoot Basketballs, Not People; the Young Chances Foundation; New Leash on Life, USA; Power of Paint, Achieve-Ability, and the Center for Family Services. The Sixers and Penn Medicine donated to each of these nonprofits in an effort to combat violence throughout Philadelphia.
Sixers wing Justin Edwards joined in on the fun, wrapping up the morning by leading a basketball clinic alongside Jr. 76ers coaches. Together, they taught over 100 local youths new skills from six community organizations.
For more information on the Philadelphia 76ers’ work in the local community, visit nba.com.
