On a Wednesday afternoon, the Philadelphia community saw a generous act of sportsmanship as the Sixers and Flyers handed out $15,000 worth of equipment to young athletes.
Community Outreach
The event was organized by the Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia 76ers, two teams that share a commitment to giving back to the neighborhoods they represent. The Flyers’ Travis Sanheim and Sixers’ Quentin Grimes were on hand, along with Franklin and Gritty, to hand out basketballs, skates, hockey sticks and other sports gear bought from a local store. The equipment was distributed at the Scanlon Recreation Center in Kensington, a location that welcomed dozens of eager children and their families.
The Donation
The donation totaled $15,000 in value, covering a wide range of sports equipment. Basketballs were handed out to kids who had never owned a ball before, while skates and hockey sticks were given to aspiring ice hockey players. The gear was purchased from a local store, ensuring that the community received high‑quality items that would last.
The distribution helped aspiring ice hockey players, a sport that can be expensive for families. By providing the necessary equipment, the event offered a tangible chance for kids to try a new sport without the financial barrier.
Quotes from Players
Travis Sanheim expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He said, “Yeah, hockey, it’s an expensive sport, so being able to help kids out and show them the game that we love and enjoy playing,” Sanheim said. “And, hopefully it’s something kids take up and enjoy themselves, and they get the opportunity to do it.”
Quentin Grimes told NBC10 that giving back was important to him. He said, “It’s a great thing to do. I love giving back to the community,” Grimes told NBC10. “Since I’ve been in the NBA I’m aspiring the youth and doing stuff with people who may not be as fortunate as others. It gives a lot of hope and a lot of inspiration to the youth.”
Grimes also had a playful suggestion for a fellow professional athlete. He said, “I think he should come out and play basketball,” Grimes said. “On skates, I can skate a little bit, but I’ll leave that to my brothers. I’m all good.”
Jim Dever, the president of Bank of America in Greater Philadelphia, shared his perspective on the event. He said, “I think it’s unbelievable, and we are in the perfect spot here in Kensington where you can really make some dreams come true,” Dever said. “For the kids, for the parents, and that’s what really, what both the organizations and ourselves, are really involved with.”
Partnerships and Activities
The event was in partnership with Bank of America, Comcast Spectator and Harris Blitzer Sports. These organizations worked together to make the donation possible and to ensure the event ran smoothly. In addition to handing out equipment, the event included a pizza party, giving attendees a chance to relax and celebrate the community effort.
Participants also had the opportunity to hit the ice with Travis Sanheim. The chance to skate with a professional player added excitement for many of the young athletes, many of whom had never had the chance to try skating on a real rink.
Impact on Youth
The donation of $15,000 in sports gear was a significant boost for the local youth. By providing equipment for basketball and ice hockey, the event opened doors for children who might otherwise lack the resources to participate. The equipment was tailored to a variety of sports, ensuring that each child could find something that sparked their interest.
The event’s focus on the next generation of athletes was evident in the quotes from both players and community leaders. The emphasis on hope and inspiration was a recurring theme, as noted by Grimes and Dever.
Key Takeaways
- The Sixers and Flyers donated $15,000 worth of sports equipment to young athletes at the Scanlon Recreation Center in Kensington.
- Travis Sanheim and Quentin Grimes highlighted the importance of giving back and encouraging kids to pursue sports.
- The partnership with Bank of America, Comcast Spectator and Harris Blitzer Sports made the event possible and added a pizza party and ice‑skating experience.
The event was a clear demonstration of how professional sports teams can positively impact their local communities by providing resources, mentorship and opportunities for youth to explore new sports.
