Sports

Trae Young earns NBA Cares Community Assist Award, donation to Boys & Girls Club

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has consistently ranked among assist leaders in the NBA this season. But it’s his assists off the court that is gaining recognition this week.

The league announced Friday Young earned the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for the month of January. The award recognizes one player each month for their work in the community.

“It’s very important to me that I use my platform to make a difference and give back in any way I can,” Young said. “Working with kids across the city is not only a rewarding and inspiring experience, but something that I genuinely love to do. The city of Atlanta and everyone in it has welcomed and supported me with open arms from the very beginning and I’m honored to give back to the community every chance I get.”

Last month Young and his foundation partnered with RIP Medical Debt to help almost 600 people with their past-due medical debts. Their $10,000 donation canceled over $1 million in medical debt.

The Trae Young Foundation looks to promote education, inclusion, health and wellness around the Atlanta community. Part of the focus is on mental health awareness and bringing light to cyber and social media bullying.

Young also hosts a Trae Young Basketball Academy in his home state of Oklahoma for kids to develop their basketball skills.

Hawks legend Dikembe Mutombo will present the award to Young during a ceremony at Saturday’s home game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The NBA and award sponsor Kaiser Permanente will donate $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta on behalf of Young for his efforts in the community.