Joel Embiid's Holiday Cheer Brings Community Together, 'It's More Than Basketball'
As the Philadelphia 76ers' practice facility was transformed into a winter wonderland, Joel Embiid donned a throwback shirt that signaled he was ready to spread some holiday cheer. The crowd of students from Camden-area high schools erupted as Embiid emerged, surrounded by an array of games, basketball hoops, and decorations.
The event was just one of several community events hosted by the 76ers players and head coach Nick Nurse during the holiday season. On Wednesday, Lowry's "Thanksgiving Assist" event distributed turkeys and dinner sides to local families at the Sixth Man Center in North Philadelphia.
On Thanksgiving Day, Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. held separate events to give back to their community. Lowry's "Thanksgiving Assist" event provided 175 turkeys and dinner sides to families in need. Meanwhile, Oubre visited Cathedral Kitchen in Camden with his family, where they helped distribute 500 Thanksgiving meals.
In addition to these individual events, the team also came together for a Stars & Stripes Day of Service. Sixers staffers packed care kits for veterans and active military members unable to spend the holiday with their families.
According to Coach Nick Nurse, community involvement is crucial for players who are fortunate enough to be in positions where they can make a difference. "I think they need to do their part as well," he said. "They get tremendous support from this community, so they need to give back."
Players like Adem Bona and Jabari Walker took advantage of the opportunity to connect with team employees and ensure that everything was up and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Paul George hosted eight families at SkyZone in Oaks for a Christmas celebration, providing gifts to the attendees. His event was just one of several community-focused initiatives by 76ers players during the holiday season.
When asked about his experience hosting the event, Embiid said, "I love giving back. Since I've had the opportunity to be in this position, that's always been a goal of mine and a dream of mine." He hopes that his story can inspire young kids to put in the work and trust their own process.
As the 76ers continue to spread holiday cheer throughout their community, it's clear that 'it's more than basketball' for these players. Their commitment to giving back is a testament to the positive impact they can have on the lives of those around them.
As the Philadelphia 76ers' practice facility was transformed into a winter wonderland, Joel Embiid donned a throwback shirt that signaled he was ready to spread some holiday cheer. The crowd of students from Camden-area high schools erupted as Embiid emerged, surrounded by an array of games, basketball hoops, and decorations.
The event was just one of several community events hosted by the 76ers players and head coach Nick Nurse during the holiday season. On Wednesday, Lowry's "Thanksgiving Assist" event distributed turkeys and dinner sides to local families at the Sixth Man Center in North Philadelphia.
On Thanksgiving Day, Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. held separate events to give back to their community. Lowry's "Thanksgiving Assist" event provided 175 turkeys and dinner sides to families in need. Meanwhile, Oubre visited Cathedral Kitchen in Camden with his family, where they helped distribute 500 Thanksgiving meals.
In addition to these individual events, the team also came together for a Stars & Stripes Day of Service. Sixers staffers packed care kits for veterans and active military members unable to spend the holiday with their families.
According to Coach Nick Nurse, community involvement is crucial for players who are fortunate enough to be in positions where they can make a difference. "I think they need to do their part as well," he said. "They get tremendous support from this community, so they need to give back."
Players like Adem Bona and Jabari Walker took advantage of the opportunity to connect with team employees and ensure that everything was up and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Paul George hosted eight families at SkyZone in Oaks for a Christmas celebration, providing gifts to the attendees. His event was just one of several community-focused initiatives by 76ers players during the holiday season.
When asked about his experience hosting the event, Embiid said, "I love giving back. Since I've had the opportunity to be in this position, that's always been a goal of mine and a dream of mine." He hopes that his story can inspire young kids to put in the work and trust their own process.
As the 76ers continue to spread holiday cheer throughout their community, it's clear that 'it's more than basketball' for these players. Their commitment to giving back is a testament to the positive impact they can have on the lives of those around them.