World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame to Induct Magic’s Foyle

Foyle is being honored for his work in helping voting-age youth to understand campaign finance reform in America by  founding the non-partisan group Democracy Matters (www.DemocracyMatters.org) and for his work empowering youth in the Eastern Caribbean and in the U.S. to take control of their futures through his Kerosene Lamp Foundation (www.KeroseneLampFoundation.org).  

Foyle also has been involved locally in the Magic's efforts in Parramore on the City of Orlando's west side. During the NBA Finals, the Magic and Foyle in conjunction with NBA Cares unveiled a newly renovated reading and learning center at the Northwest Community Center. The center provided local youths with a safe place to explore their educational interests and access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s high-tech world. 

Foyle also previously delivered healthy snacks, Magic backpacks and a meaningful message on making healthy lifestyle choices to the elementary students at Nap Ford Community School in Parramore. The visit coincided with the school’s commencement of the “Junk Free Zone,” which focuses on eliminating bad language, unhealthy foods and unproductive habits, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Gutierrez is being honored for his efforts to prevent the some 3,000 daily malaria-related deaths in Africa through his work with Nothing But Nets (www.NothingButNets.net).  

Mattes is being honored for her work as a special representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (www.unfoundation.org/your-role/partners/un-partners/unwto.html).  Her efforts are focused on harnessing the developmental power of tourism in the fight against world poverty.

“Adonal Foyle, Diego Gutierrez and Tracy Mattes are examples to athletes everywhere, our youth and our peers of how giving back can profoundly impact the lives of others,” said Rick Frisch, president of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.  “Today, communities across the country and the world are faced with so much need.   It is refreshing to find our most visible role models – world class athletes, taking it upon themselves to identify unique social concerns important to them and developing a culture of service for others to follow.  We are honored to have Adonal, Diego and Tracy among us.  They truly represent All that is Good in Sport.” The sports humanitarians will be enshrined among a fraternity of over 40 world-class athletes for their extraordinary commitment to community service.  The Hall’s 15th annual induction ceremonies get underway at 7 p.m. Mountain time on Thursday, September 24 in Boise, Idaho.  

Tickets for the Hall’s induction ceremonies are on sale at the Qwest Arena box office in Boise and online at www.QwestArenaIdaho.com
Adonal Foyle: Democracy Matters / Kerosene Lamp Foundation

Foyle, who has spent 12 years as an NBA center with the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and most recently as a part of the Orlando Magic team that advanced to the 2009 NBA finals, has taken a leadership role in helping voting age youth understand campaign finance reform in America.  In 2001, he founded the non-partisan Democracy Matters (www.DemocracyMatters.org), which now has more than 70 chapters on college, university and high school campuses in 23 states.  Foyle’s other passion is empowering youth in the Eastern Caribbean and U.S. to take control of their futures.  In 2006, he established the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (www.KeroseneLampFoundation.org) (named after the type of light Foyle used to study at night on an island with no electricity) with the goal of helping youth grow into healthy and well-educated adults.  Foyle’s efforts have been recognized by former President Bill Clinton and the NBA.
About The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community.  Over 40 sports-humanitarians have been enshrined in Boise including tennis great Arthur Ashe, Major League Baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, NFL coaching legend Tom Landry, the NBA's David Robinson, soccer great Pelé and the Harlem Globetrotters.  The Hall was the inspiration behind Boise’s Humanitarian Bowl and its Humanitarian Awards program annually recognizes exceptional community-focused organizations and leaders from Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NCAA College Football and other organizations.  The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is open weekdays to visitors and humanitarians of all ages. For more information visit www.SportsHumanitarian.com.