Knicks in the Community

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New York Playoff Palooza

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Jr. Knicks Coaches Convention

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Jr. Knicks and Special Olympics

New York, March 8, 2024 – The New York Knicks and HUB International are proud to announce the recipients of the Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award this month. The award is named in honor of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African American to play for the Knicks, and recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others through community involvement.

Lymaris Albors, CEO of Acacia Network, received the award on March 5 during the Knicks Hispanic Heritage Night, while Chiene Jones, Founder of Grow Our Game, received the award during the Knicks Women’s Empowerment Night at Madison Square Garden on March 8. In recognition of their work, the Knicks and HUB International are donating $10,000 to each of their respective organizations.

Lymaris Albors is the CEO of Acacia Network, one of the largest Hispanic-led nonprofits in New York State, serving 150,000 individuals annually in the areas of health, housing, social services, and economic development. A change agent with profound dedication to strategic growth, financial sustainability, and operational excellence, she has implemented best practices across the organization, promoted network-wide integration and organizational restructuring, spearheaded the transition of new, high-impact affiliates into Acacia Network, and managed its expansion into Puerto Rico, among various other achievements.

Chiene Joy Jones, Founder of Grow Our Game, is a Queens, New York native. With over twenty years of coaching experience, Coach Jones has led efforts to break generational poverty by passionately advocating for youth in urban communities. She is a mentor to all her players, past and present, and continues to advocate for girls’ participation in sports. Coach Jones was also named Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year in 2020 for her impact in the New York City basketball community.

“Lymaris Albors and Chiene Joy Jones have demonstrated significant leadership, achievement, advocacy, and service in support of encouraging a culture of diversity and women’s empowerment,” said Kevin Bradley, Vice President of HUB Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community. “With our partnership with the Knicks, we're proud to recognize the profound impact they are making to expand opportunity and build partnerships.”

For additional information and to make a nomination for the Award, visit https://www.nba.com/knicks/community/sweetwater.

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Knicks and HUB International Announce March "City Spirit" Award Recipients

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Kicks and Cocktails

- NBA to donate $10,000 to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Kids -

- Randle is being recognized for his efforts uplifting, encouraging and supporting local youth-&nbsp;

NEW YORK, February 29, 2024 – The NBA today announced New York Knicks forward Julius Randle as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for the month of January.  Randle is being recognized for his efforts uplifting, encouraging and supporting local youth.  Randle will receive the David Robinson trophy and the NBA will donate $10,000 to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Kids. 

As part of Randle’s #30 for 3 campaign – Randle pledges $500 for each three-pointer that he makes this season to the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School in New York City.&nbsp; Randle’s financial commitment goes towards the high school’s literary enhancement program to improve reading and writing skills for students.&nbsp; Amidst an All-Star season for Randle, he has already made 76 three-pointers and raised $38,000 for the school from this season alone.&nbsp; Inspired by Randle’s support, the New York Knicks and Chase Bank have supplemented financial support for the school and provided special game day experiences as well, including the school’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams playing at Madison Square Garden, a Jr. Knicks clinic at school and a mentorship series where students can learn about different careers in sports from Madison Square Garden executives and Knicks front office staff.&nbsp; More than 300 students have been positively impacted as a result of this program.&nbsp; Now in it’s third season, the #30 for 3 campaign has raised more than $900,000 for the school.

Additionally, Randle collaborated with the Hoop Bus to surprise youth throughout New York City with gifts and giveaways for three consecutive days.&nbsp; Randle’s giveback initiative included physical education class takeovers at schools, a Wilson basketball giveaway, Sketchers giveaway and additional supplies.

“We chose MSK Kids for the charity donation because we wanted to help in any way possible with children’s cancer research in the city,” said Randle.&nbsp; “With two boys of our own, helping cure childhood diseases is a passion of ours and MSK does incredible research for childhood cancer and diseases.”

Randle will be recognized in-arena as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner during pre-game of the Feb. 29 Warriors-Knicks game.

The NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award honors Bob Lanier, an NBA League Office executive and NBA Cares Ambassador for more than 30 years.&nbsp; He had an enormous influence on the NBA family and young people globally, traveling the world to teach the values of the game and making a positive impact through his kindness and generosity.&nbsp; The legacy he built will continue to live on through the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recognition, which honors the next generation of players’ commitment to positively impacting their community throughout the NBA season.&nbsp; Each monthly winner receives the David Robinson trophy and the NBA makes a donation to the charity or foundation of the player’s choice.&nbsp; To learn more, please visit https://communityassist.nba.com/.

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New York Knicks' Julius Randle Named NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award January Winner

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Science of Basketball Teacher Workshop presented by Pfizer

New York, January 15, 2024 – The New York Knicks and HUB International are proud to announce two recipients of the Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award this month. The award is named in honor of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African American to play for the Knicks, and recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others through community involvement.

Melissa D’Andrea Sullivan, Executive Director of PFLAG NYC received the award on January 9th, as the Knicks celebrated Pride Night at Madison Square Garden, and Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference received the award during the MLK Day game on January 15 at Madison Square Garden. In recognition of their work, the Knicks and HUB International are donating $10,000 each to their respective organizations.

Melissa D’Andrea Sullivan serves as Executive Director at PFLAG NYC, the nation’s foremost family-based organization committed to celebrating LGBTQ+ young people and creating a better future for all. Melissa is a distinguished leader and advocate with over two decades of experience in youth development, racial justice, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. She is committed to the transformative mission of fostering a more inclusive New York City for the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes is President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Executive Committee as well as an active member of various NAACP board sub-committees. Dr.  Dukes’ dedication to human rights and equality is exemplified by her role linking business, government, and social causes. Dr.  Dukes is an active and dynamic leader who is known for her unselfish and devoted track record for improving the quality of life in New York State.

“Today, we celebrate Melissa and Dr. Dukes' dedication to their communities,” said Kevin Bradley, Vice President of HUB Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community. “They have brought their communities closer and have empowered them in extraordinary ways. They serve as leading examples for others. We are proud to be a part of this partnership with the Knicks and this much deserved recognition of the awardees.”