Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 – The Oklahoma City Thunder, through a partnership with the Thunder Cares Foundation and Kia Motors America, dedicated a new outdoor basketball court on Tuesday outside the Boys and Girls Club of Norman at Center for Children and Families. Thunder players Steve Novak and Kyle Singler took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremonythat included 25 children from the Boys and Girls Club.
The Thunder blue court will offer kids from the recently opened Boys and Girls Club 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 at the Boys and Girls Club of Norman and Center for Children and Families,” 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.”
Jesse Herrera, regional manager with Kia Motors America, added, “On behalf of Kia Motors and the Oklahoma Kia Dealers, we are very happy to once again support our partners at the Thunder to give back to the local community. This is our second court refurbishment project over the last few years, and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces makes it all worth it. We hope this court provides many smiles for years to come.”
“We are so grateful for the Thunder Cares Foundation and their commitment to children in Norman and throughout Oklahoma,” noted Katie Fitzgerald, executive director at Center for Children and Families. “This court is a vital addition to our organization and will be enjoyed by thousands of children over the years – members of the Boys and Girls Club of Norman and children receiving other services at CCFI. The court will bring fun and great joy to our children and serves as a symbol to the children of our community that the Thunder cares about them and supports their dreams for the future.”
This is the first Thunder Cares Foundation court built on a new site, rather than refurbishing or replacing an existing court. Previous court projects include three courts rebuilt outside Moore schools damaged or destroyed in the May 2013 tornado, as well as court refurbishments at the Police Athletic League in south Oklahoma City, Pitts Park and Schilling Park in OKC, the indoor court at the City Rescue Mission and community courts in Bethel Acres and El Reno that had suffered damage during the May 2013 storms.
ABOUT CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: Since 1969, Center for Children and Families has sought to end the generational cycles of poverty, child abuse and neglect for local children and families by providing services that heal the wounds of childhood trauma and strengthen family relationships. Boys and Girls Club of Norman at Center for Children and Families serves children and youth who need us most so that they can be successful in school, develop character and leadership skills, and live a healthy lifestyle. CCFI’s mission is to improve the lives of children through partnerships with families and communities – because every boy and girl deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and loved. Please visit www.ccfinorman.org for more information.