New York, Nov. 15, 2006 - In recognition of Eric Snow’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA announced today it has honored the Cleveland Cavaliers guard with the Community Assist Award for October.

Eric Snow got a head start on the 2006-07 NBA season with the opening of his first Reading & Learning Center at the Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center in his hometown of Canton, OH. Snow has a long-standing relationship with the center which he attended as a child growing up. For the past 11 years, the Cavaliers point guard has returned to the center each summer to host his annual basketball camp.

Snow was joined at the dedication by his wife, three children and the Mayor of Canton, which was followed by a special reading event in the refurbished center. The Reading & Learning Center has a new ceiling grid, light work, carpeting and features Cavaliers action and community photos. The children at the center will also have access to six new computers and 500 new books.

Additionally, during October Snow hosted his third annual Fatherhood Basketball Clinic on the practice court at Quicken Loans Arena. Fifty father-son duos from the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative hit the court to learn the fundamentals of basketball skills and spend some quality time together. Snow also discussed how he handles the day-to-day demands of balancing work and family.

Snow also launched his Full Court Father’s Program in the month of October. In its third year, the program provides fathers with the opportunity to spend an evening with their sons or daughters at a Cavs game. Snow purchases four season tickets for one father-son and one father-daughter duo to attend each Cavaliers’ home game. Fathers visit the Cavaliers website and answer three questions about their special relationship with their children and the winners get to watch the pre-game shoot-around from the floor and have the opportunity to meet Snow and other members of the team.

Snow established his Shoot 4 The Moon Foundation in 1997 as a means to commit his time and resources to a variety of outreach initiatives that encourage, reward, and support families in his community. In addition to his Full Court Fathers program, Snow also created a Steals & Assists program, whereby he donates $20.00 for every steal and $20.00 for every assist he makes during the regular season. All funds raised are donated to worthy non-profit agencies in Northeast Ohio.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Snow will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 gift will be given to his charity of choice.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

NBA Cares is the league's social responsibility initiative that builds on the NBA's long tradition of addressing important social issues in the United States and around the world. During the first year of NBA Cares, teams, current and former players, and the league office contributed 205,000 hours of hands-on volunteer service, raised more than $32 million for charity, and created 109 places where kids and families can live, learn or play. NBA Cares works with internationally-recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes, including: UNICEF; Reading Is Fundamental; Habitat for Humanity; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Feed the Children, Special Olympics, KaBOOM!, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many others.