Posed: Oct. 14, 2007
McLean, Va. – USA WEEKEND Magazine announces today that the 2007 Most Caring Athletes are NBA players Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade.
Nash, star guard for the Phoenix Suns, is being recognized for the work done by his Steve Nash Foundation, which assists underserved children in the United States, Canada and Paraguay. He has campaigned for HIV/AIDS awareness in Vancouver, visited with cancer patients from New York to Phoenix, funded a pediatric cardiology ward for one of Paraguay’s oldest hospitals, Hospital de Clinicas in Asuncion, and traveled to China to co-host a charity game that raised $2.5 million for underprivileged children in that country.
Through his Wade World Foundation, Dwyane Wade assists children in his hometown of Robbins, Ill., and in South Florida, where he is a guard for the Miami Heat. He hosts Christmas parties at amusement parks and free week-long summer camps annually, has helped to improve parks in South Florida and fulfilled wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash are leaders of their teams and of our NBA Cares initiative,” said Kathy Behrens, NBA Senior Vice President of Community and Player Programs. “They understand the power of sport and the responsibility that athletes have to give back to people and communities in need. We are proud that they are carrying on a great NBA tradition of supporting the community and look forward to supporting their on-going efforts to make a difference around the world.”
“Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade are perfect examples of what we look for in our Most Caring Athletes. They have made outstanding efforts in their communities and beyond,” said Jack Curry, Executive Editor and Vice President of USA WEEKEND Magazine.
The Most Caring Athlete award was created by USA WEEKEND to recognize professional athletes who devote their time off to helping others. Each year the magazine acknowledges two athletes; each receives an award and $5,000 for his own charity.