by Jake Withee, NAZ Suns
Photo by Matt Hinshaw, NAZ Suns
Ajob in the spotlight carries a great deal of responsibility.
The Northern Arizona Suns know this, and they hope to use their platform to better serve the community around them.
The NAZ Suns remain active in community outreach programs to bring funds and attention to programs they think would benefit greatly from it, especially when it comes to education.
Last season the Suns lent their support to a variety of causes, such as raising money to fight breast cancer, giving Christmas gifts to children and families in need at Shop with a Cop and supporting initiatives to rid the world of a disease in Walk MS.
This was especially true in schools, where the Suns love to see kids excel in the classroom.
“Having the opportunity to inspire and teach our youth about the value of education and a healthy living is important to us,” said NAZ Suns President Chris Presson. “It’s not just about basketball for us. We are humbled to know that we can be that positive role model in their lives and help them see that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance.”
Northern Arizona Suns started the All-Star Student Achiever program, which encourages students to obtain perfect attendance and make the honor roll. Students who excelled in the program received two complimentary tickets to a NAZ Suns game. Everyone in the program was invited to a game in March, where NAZ honored one lucky school with a $500 donation.
The Suns visited various schools as part of the program, including Liberty Traditional, Lake Valley Elementary and Granville Elementary. Players even went to classrooms to read books for the children as part of Read Across America.
When schoolwork is completed, the Suns want kids to be active and exercise while having fun. To support this, the team hosted clinics at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School, Taylor Hicks Elementary School and Glassford Hill Middle School to teach students ways to have fun while playing basketball the right way.
The community can always improve, and the Suns plan to continue to do their part to help. If you are interested in partnering with the NAZ Suns through new community initiatives, contact Media Relations Coordinator Jake Withee at jwithee@nazsuns.com.
NAZ Suns invite youth to Kids Day Game in January
Already owning one of the top family-friendly environments in the NBA G League, the Northern Arizona Suns are taking it a step further.
They are hosting a Kids Day Game on Jan. 23 at 11 a.m.
The team is inviting classes all around Yavapai County to the game, where students will enjoy high-level basketball along with great learning opportunities.
The Suns hope to host 5,000 youth who will see what can happen by playing outside and staying active. With healthy habits, sportsmanship and a positive mindset toward exercise, anything is possible.
Students will get a math, science and English interactive workbook at the game, along with free lunch.
Those interested in this educational and fun opportunity, contact NAZ Suns director of operations Ashley Stovall at astovall@nazsuns.com
