Sixers Press Releases

Philadelphia 76ers Center Samuel Dalembert Receives NBA Community Assist Award for February

March 12, 2009- New York - Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for February in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.

Dalembert is being honored following his $150,000 pledge of support to UNICEF to assist impoverished communities throughout his native country of Haiti over the next three years. In 2007, Dalembert returned to Haiti with UNICEF and witnessed first-hand the country’s current need of basic resources. During his visit, Dalembert spent time at UNICEF-supported schools and hospitals and was moved by the organization’s work to bring hope and assistance to millions of Haitian families and children. Dalembert has since made it his mission to support UNICEF with the help of his foundation, the Samuel Dalembert Foundation.

"I know that things are tough for people everywhere these days," said Dalembert. "But try to remember that there is always someone out there who has it more difficult than you do—and then try to reach out to them."

In his first project, Dalembert will provide Haitian residents with permanent water supplies and make 10 Haitian schools safer places by rehabilitating the current sanitation systems and organizing educational programs to instruct students and faculty on health and wellness. Through Dalembert’s commitment to UNICEF, he will continue to improve the living conditions for Haitian children and families over the next three years with additional renewal projects and educational programs.

Late last year, the Samuel Dalembert Foundation partnered with the Red Cross and Feed the Children to provide clean water, food and medical supplies to more than 800,000 Haitian residents following four devastating hurricanes. Dalembert’s foundation also plans to establish The Dalembert School in the coming years, a facility to give Haitian residents the opportunity to receive an education and to participate in athletic programs.

Dalembert is also an active participant in domestic community service initiatives. In February, he visited with patients at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. and met with young winners of the 76ers Black History Month essay contest. In addition, Dalembert continues to host a ticket section to give children from local organizations the opportunity to attend home games throughout the season.

As the February NBA Community Assist Award recipient, Dalembert 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, a $5,000 donation will be given by the NBA to Dalembert to support the Samuel Dalembert Foundation.

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

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