NBA veteran provided relief to victims of the earthquake and donated $100,000 to UNICEF
NEW YORK — Haitian-Canadian Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers is being honoured for his exemplary efforts during the earthquake crisis in Haiti.
Dalembert has been named this year's recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which spotlights a player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.
He received the award Monday.
Dalembert, an eight-year NBA veteran and native of Haiti, worked to provide relief to victims of the earthquake and donated $100,000 to UNICEF. He visited the stricken country twice and raised awareness of the need for relief.
He's also helped build a training facility and a school in Haiti called the Dalembert Academy.
“What Samuel has done should be a model for all professional athletes,” said Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, which presents the award annually. “He saw a crying need for help and worked tirelessly to give whatever aid he could while spurring others to act and contribute as well.”
Other finalists this season included, Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons, Ronny Turiaf of the Golden State Warriors and Adonal Foyle of the Orlando Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers' Samuel Dalembert, left, hugs Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, as he presents her with a check for $100,000 to aid relief efforts in Haiti before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Sammy Dalembert in Haiti showing children involved in his Samuel Dalembert Foundation proper shooting form.
J. Walter Kennedy was the second commissioner of the NBA.
Source: TheGlobeAndMail
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