Basketball Blog

In recognition of Dwyane Wade’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Miami HEAT guard with the Community Assist Award for August.

Despite his busy summer working his way back from knee and shoulder surgery, Wade hosted seven community outreach initiatives, five of which were part of “A Week of Wade’s World in South Florida,” during the month of August.

“I just think I’m a person who has an opportunity to let his voice be heard and help people,” said Wade. “Right now, people want to listen to what I have to say. Why not use it to make a difference, especially with kids.”

Partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to sick and terminally ill children, Wade fulfilled the wishes of five kids whose dream was to meet the 2006 NBA Finals MVP. The children and their parents had lunch with Wade, which was followed by one-on-one time on the basketball court at the University of Miami.

In early August, Wade joined his mother, Jolinda Wade, as she led a Wade family community effort to donate shoes, clothes, computers and household items to Ford Heights and Chicago-area residents. Wade also sponsored fifty children, courtesy of the Wade’s World Foundation and the Urban League of Broward County, at the inaugural Topps Basketball Camp in Fort Lauderdale, FL. where he instructed over 300 youth on basketball fundamentals.

In addition, Wade supported 30 local children from North Miami with a $300 back to school shopping spree for school supplies. Wade also joined the American Red Cross to surprise students at the Miami Springs Recreation Center Pool as part of the HEAT “Learn to Swim” community swim safety campaign.

At the Overtown Youth Center, which was established by his HEAT teammate Alonzo Mourning, Wade joined the D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) program with 150 elementary, middle and high school students, hosting daily reading sessions. He also visited Miami Northwestern Senior High School to support fellow teammate Udonis Haslem in his back-to-school charity basketball game, where hundreds of school supplies and promotional items were distributed to kids.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Wade will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to the Wade’s World Foundation on Wade’s behalf.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.