Hornets PR

August 1, 2022 – The Charlotte Hornets Foundation announced that it has committed its annual $25,000 Wellness Grants to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte for both 2022 and 2023, totaling a $50,000 donation to help the organization launch a new Adaptive Basketball, Cheer & Dance League. The donation was presented by Charlotte Hornets Foundation Executive Director Betsy Mack and Hornets Chief Revenue Officer Jacob Gallagher to YMCA of Greater Charlotte Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer Dean Jones and Keith Family YMCA Executive Director Joyce Tompkins at a community event on Saturday.

“The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is an incredible organization that has been dedicated to building stronger and healthier kids and families for many years,” said Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “We have seen first-hand that sports have the power to change lives. We’re very proud to support the YMCA in creating an adaptive sports league that we hope provides diversely-abled athletes across our community with new friendships and skills.”

The inaugural season of the YMCA Adaptive Basketball, Cheer & Dance League is scheduled to begin later this year at the Keith Family YMCA, located in the University area of Charlotte. A league preview day was held on Saturday for interested families to learn about what the league will entail, as well as other adaptive sports opportunities that will be available throughout the year. As part of the event, the Honey Bees participated in a dance demonstration, while attendees were also able to visit the Barings Book Bus, where books and Hornets “Bee Ball for All” basketballs were distributed.

“We are very thankful for the generous donation from the Charlotte Hornets Foundation and are proud to continue to partner with the Hornets on various community initiatives focused on health equity and youth programming,” said YMCA of Greater Charlotte President & CEO Stan Law. “We are thrilled to add the Adaptive Basketball, Cheer & Dance League to our robust portfolio of adaptive programming, and to create a welcoming environment and provide opportunities for diversely-abled athletes.”

B-roll footage and photos of the check presentation can be found at the following link: Hornets/YMCA Wellness Grant.

About Hornets Sports & Entertainment

Hornets Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm and Hornets Venom GT, and operates Charlotte’s Spectrum Center.  The Charlotte Hornets are a member of the NBA’s Southeast Division.  Owned by NBA Legend Michael Jordan, the Hornets organization strives to deliver a relentless attack on the court, an unmatched experience in the stands and a positive impact throughout the community.  The name of the city’s original NBA team from 1988-2002, the Hornets moniker returned to Charlotte in May 2014, uniting the rich history of NBA basketball in the Carolinas.  The Greensboro Swarm are the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets and play at the Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.  Hornets Venom GT is the organization’s esports team affiliate that joined the NBA 2K League in 2020.  Spectrum Center is the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, hosting over 150 sporting events, concerts and family shows annually.  For more information, please visit hornets.com, gsoswarm.com, HornetsVenomGT.com or spectrumcentercharlotte.com.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves our community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for nearly 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. www.ymcacharlotte.org

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For More Information Contact:

Josh Rosen, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Hornets Sports & Entertainment, 704-688-8863, jrosen@hornets.com

Heather Briganti, Vice President, Communications & PR, YMCA of Greater Charlotte, 704-995-3223, heather.briganti@ymcacharlotte.org