Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 – The Oklahoma City Thunder, through a partnership with the Thunder Cares Foundation and Coca-Cola, Enable Midstream Partners and Homeland, dedicated a new outdoor basketball court at Washita Valley Park in Chickasha on Thursday. Thunder players Nick Collison and Enes Kanter took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included children from the community.
The Thunder blue court will offer kids a place to keep fit and fuel their love of basketball.
“We are thrilled to be part of bringing a new basketball court to this community and adding to the experience for kids in Chickasha,” said Christine Berney, vice president of Community Relations for the Thunder. “We hope that every time the kids here pick up a basketball and step onto the court, they’ll know that the Thunder cares about them, that we want them to make healthy choices and have a place to have fun.
Coca-Cola Refreshments Account Executive Chris Sheehan added, “Basketball courts such as the one at Washita Valley Park are among the best places teens can go to be physically active, improve their health and have fun with friends. We were proud to partner with Homeland to allow a portion of Sprite product sales to go toward the Chickasha court refurbishment.”
“We're excited to partner with the Thunder on this great project,” noted Enable Midstream Partners Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Brian Alford. “It's especially meaningful for us given our presence in the Chickasha area, which sits near one of our nation's most prolific shale basins."
Thursday’s dedication featured Thunder-themed activities for the neighborhood, including appearances from Rumble and Thunder entertainment teams the Thunder Girls, Thunder Drummers and Storm Chasers. The OG&E ThunderBolt, the team’s traveling interactive experience, set up to allow fans to engage more with the team through measure-ups, a photo booth, trivia and more.
The court at Washita Valley Park is the 14th court built or refurbished by the Thunder in the state of Oklahoma, and marks the second court Coca-Cola has brought back to life with the Thunder Cares Foundation.
ABOUT THE THUNDER CARES FOUNDATION: The Thunder Cares Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Oklahoma City Thunder, raising and distributing funds to support the team’s community outreach programs. The Foundation has funded the refurbishment or building of 14 basketball courts throughout Oklahoma, including three courts outside Moore schools damaged or destroyed in the May 2013 tornado, as well as learning and activity rooms at the Oklahoma City Boys and Girls Club, the City Rescue Mission, SeeWorth Academy and Positive Tomorrows.
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Credit: Photo courtesy of OKC Thunder Photos. Suggested caption: Members of the Thunder organization, including players Nick Collison (back left) and Enes Kanter (back center), brought the Thunder experience to Chickasha on Thursday to dedicate a Thunder-themed basketball court. Chickasha Mayor Hank Ross and Council Member Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander (center, holding scissors) helped cut the ribbon and officially open the new court. The project was a partnership between the Thunder Cares Foundation, the City of Chickasha, Coca-Cola, Enable Midstream Partners and Homeland Stores.