Youth development initiative YMCA of Metro Atlanta has announced a new multi-year partnership with NBA team the Atlanta Hawks.
The deal will see YMCA’s ‘Y’ brand featured prominently on all Hawks jerseys to promote the organisation’s work towards building up a ‘mindful and healthy community’.
As the partnership evolves, the Hawks and YMCA will deliver various programmes that revolve around the well-being of Atlantans, including the provision of increased access to basketball and other sports.
Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, commented: “Everything the YMCA of Metro Atlanta does is grounded in meeting the unique needs of communities – and we can’t do it alone.
“We’re grateful to partner with the Atlanta Hawks. Together we can increase access and involvement and provide the opportunity for more people to discover their potential and thrive.
“We’re proud to partner with an organisation that has shared values of impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth sports and curating community programming.”
YMCA’s youth programming will involve Hawks players, coaching staff and talent to share their professional stories and spread the organisation’s message across with an aim to inspire generations to come.
Jeff Beckham, Chair of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Board of Directors, said: “It is a true partnership and joint mission to increase access and opportunity for youth, families, and seniors to the Y.
“The Y is investing in a strategic and aligned partnership that will leverage the Hawks’ reach and platforms to bolster fundraising and enhance Y programming resources to serve more people across Atlanta.”
Meanwhile, the Hawks will utilise their State Farm Arena and global marketing capabilities to launch a series of campaigns and raise funds for YMCA’s mission.
Steve Koonin, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO, added: “For more than 150 years, the Y has practised and exemplified the ideals of service and building healthy, inclusive communities that we have emulated as a franchise.
“At our core, we are a community asset, and we are honoured to partner with such an esteemed global organisation with a strong local presence and use our platform to help them serve the youth and families of Atlanta through service, resources, and sport.”
The Y wordmark will be featured on all Hawks uniforms, including the College Park Skyhawks and the uniforms of the Hawks Talon GC.
Landry Fields, Atlanta Hawks General Manager, concluded: “The synergy between the mission of the Hawks and the Y is so authentic and genuine.
“As a kid who discovered his love for the game at the Lakewood YMCA in California, I know this partnership and the access it will provide will be meaningful for the basketball community in Atlanta and beneficial in the holistic development of our youth.”
