Thunder Spreads Love of the Game in Chickasha
by Jimmy Do | okcthunder.com
As the first day of December signaled the year’s looming finale, this might have been mistaken as a New Year’s Eve bash for the city of Chickasha when the jubilant crowd launched into a countdown crescendo of 3-2-1 at the beloved Washita Valley Park during a court dedication ceremony on Thursday afternoon. Once the serrated ribbons flickered out of sight, the Thunder christening of the new outdoor basketball court became official to the furor of the residents on hand igniting a new future for the community. “This is an example of improvements being made in our city,” said Chickasha Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander. “The fact that the Thunder chose this area to bring its logo and who they are shows that we’re making things a little bit different.”
Decked out in Thunder hues, the unveiling of the new court was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Thunder Cares Foundation working with Coca-Cola, Enable Midstream Partners and Homeland. For Christine Berney, vice president of Community Relations for the Thunder, court number 14 represented a continuation of the mission to “spread the love of the game.” “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 Berney. “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."
To add to the excitement, Thunder teammates Nick Collison and Enes Kanter joined the ceremony to complete the uproarious game night atmosphere of the unveiling which featured Rumble the Bison, the Thunder Girls and Thunder Drummers. Chickasha Mayor Hank Ross, who led a raucous chant of “Let’s go Thunder!” right before the ribbon was cut, soaked in the city’s milestone event and what it meant to the community.“We’ve come a long ways and I’m thrilled they put this court in this part of town,” said Ross. “I’m just so happy about this investment in Chickasha.”
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. (From official news release)
Kanter and Collison dish out high fives.“It was awesome that the kids got to meet them off the court and out here in the community and seeing what they did here,” said Cody Snook, Chickasha resident. “They took it into consideration to come out here to enjoy it with the kids.”
“This court is open to this entire community. It makes it so special for us that anyone can enjoy it and put it to good use like we’re seeing today,” said Brian Alford, communications and public relations vice president of Enable Midstream Partners. “The kids and adults here now have an opportunity to take advantage of a great facility."
"It’s an amazing court,” said Kanter. “It’s pretty cool with all these Thunder fans. A lot of smiles and a lot happiness—it’s what’s it’s all about.”
The happy ribbon-cutting blitz included a hoops clinic led by Kanter and Collison.
Chickasha Mayor Ross: "We’re all here together. So we’ve come a long ways and I’m thrilled they put this court here at Washita Valley Park."
“It’s a great, great feeling. It’s a beautiful day and what a beautiful park,” said Debbie Grewell, Great Plains Coca-Cola. “I know Chickasha is so proud of this.”
“We never had any courts this good here. It’s going to be real nice for all of the kids.” said Troy Napoleon, Chickasha resident.
Watch: Thunder Court Now Open in Chickasha