duncan228
08-08-2008, 07:29 PM
http://www.ncaa.com/basketball-mens/article.aspx?id=300994
Navy: Robinson to Receive Hall of Fame's Human Spirit Award
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces Sonny Hill and David Robinson as the co-recipients of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces Sonny Hill and David Robinson as the co-recipients of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX. This Award is given annually to individuals who have found the game of basketball a contributing aspect to their personal growth and accomplishment, a place to develop an understanding of others, and an avenue that helped shape that individual's growth into a recognized visionary leader in the greater community in which they serve.
These co-recipients of the award both represent the vision for this prestigious award," said Mannie Jackson, Chairman of the Board at the Basketball Hall of Fame. "Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson have made significant contributions to their communities with the resources that were available to them. Both have shown a tremendous amount of dedication and have provided great service to both local and national initiatives."
Sonny Hill has dedicated his life to youth basketball in the city of Philadelphia. For nearly 40 years, his leagues have been an outlet for inner city basketball in Philadelphia where he serves as an influential leader within the community. In 1968, Hill founded the "Sonny Hill Community Involvement League" which continues to provide youth with discipline, guidance and direction. The league runs each year with divisions ranging from middle school through adult divisions. He has received an honorary doctorate from Temple University and was named one of the 100 "Most Influential Minorities in Sports" by Sports Illustrated. Hill has also served as an executive advisor for Peter Luukko, President and CEO of the Wachovia Complex and worked television broadcasts for the 76ers in the 1970's. His leagues have provided thousands of kids an opportunity and his dedication and tireless efforts have led to Philadelphia becoming one of the best basketball cities in the country.
David Robinson, who played his college basketball at the Naval Academy and his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, has had incredible success on the court with his two NBA Championships and 10 All-Star game appearances. Off the court, he has been a strong community resource for the city of San Antonio and the youth. He has founded and donated more than $9 million for the Carver Academy, a school in San Antonio as well as funded scholarship opportunities for youth that graduated high school. In addition, he annually donated 10 percent of his income to the David Robinson Foundation which supported two major projects; the "Ruth Project" which provided diapers and baby supplies to parents with need and to Feed my Sheep which offered food for the hungry. Robinson received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA in 2003 and was the first athlete to receive the Montblanc de la Culture Award.
Hill and Robinson were chosen as the 2008 Award winners by a blue ribbon committee comprised of national and international business and community leaders, Hall of Famers and others with significant experience and success in improving communities worldwide. Other finalists who reflect the core values of this award and were considered this year included Alonzo Mourning.
We are so pleased to announce Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson as co-recipients of this honorable award, said John L. Doleva, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President and CEO. Their dedication on the court is only surpassed by their dedication off the court to the foundations and to the communities of Philadelphia and San Antonio. Mannie Jackson has set an unprecedented standard for this award and Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson have exceeded those standards, added Doleva.
Additional criteria for Award candidates include embracing the core values of the game: hard-work, striving to improve and a commitment to others. Beyond the game, candidates must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson's life-long mission to overcome obstacles; challenge the status quo, take responsibility for his or her actions while seeking the highest standard of excellence. Award candidates will be a recognized leader and catalyst for change in their community and an individual who leads by example, demonstrates a philosophy of respectfulness, teamwork, commitment, and human compassion in all aspects of their lives.
The inaugural winner of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award was Dikembe Mutombo. The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX will be presented during the Enshrinement Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 5. The evening will also include the induction of the Class of 2008.
Navy: Robinson to Receive Hall of Fame's Human Spirit Award
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces Sonny Hill and David Robinson as the co-recipients of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces Sonny Hill and David Robinson as the co-recipients of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX. This Award is given annually to individuals who have found the game of basketball a contributing aspect to their personal growth and accomplishment, a place to develop an understanding of others, and an avenue that helped shape that individual's growth into a recognized visionary leader in the greater community in which they serve.
These co-recipients of the award both represent the vision for this prestigious award," said Mannie Jackson, Chairman of the Board at the Basketball Hall of Fame. "Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson have made significant contributions to their communities with the resources that were available to them. Both have shown a tremendous amount of dedication and have provided great service to both local and national initiatives."
Sonny Hill has dedicated his life to youth basketball in the city of Philadelphia. For nearly 40 years, his leagues have been an outlet for inner city basketball in Philadelphia where he serves as an influential leader within the community. In 1968, Hill founded the "Sonny Hill Community Involvement League" which continues to provide youth with discipline, guidance and direction. The league runs each year with divisions ranging from middle school through adult divisions. He has received an honorary doctorate from Temple University and was named one of the 100 "Most Influential Minorities in Sports" by Sports Illustrated. Hill has also served as an executive advisor for Peter Luukko, President and CEO of the Wachovia Complex and worked television broadcasts for the 76ers in the 1970's. His leagues have provided thousands of kids an opportunity and his dedication and tireless efforts have led to Philadelphia becoming one of the best basketball cities in the country.
David Robinson, who played his college basketball at the Naval Academy and his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, has had incredible success on the court with his two NBA Championships and 10 All-Star game appearances. Off the court, he has been a strong community resource for the city of San Antonio and the youth. He has founded and donated more than $9 million for the Carver Academy, a school in San Antonio as well as funded scholarship opportunities for youth that graduated high school. In addition, he annually donated 10 percent of his income to the David Robinson Foundation which supported two major projects; the "Ruth Project" which provided diapers and baby supplies to parents with need and to Feed my Sheep which offered food for the hungry. Robinson received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA in 2003 and was the first athlete to receive the Montblanc de la Culture Award.
Hill and Robinson were chosen as the 2008 Award winners by a blue ribbon committee comprised of national and international business and community leaders, Hall of Famers and others with significant experience and success in improving communities worldwide. Other finalists who reflect the core values of this award and were considered this year included Alonzo Mourning.
We are so pleased to announce Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson as co-recipients of this honorable award, said John L. Doleva, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President and CEO. Their dedication on the court is only surpassed by their dedication off the court to the foundations and to the communities of Philadelphia and San Antonio. Mannie Jackson has set an unprecedented standard for this award and Mr. Hill and Mr. Robinson have exceeded those standards, added Doleva.
Additional criteria for Award candidates include embracing the core values of the game: hard-work, striving to improve and a commitment to others. Beyond the game, candidates must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson's life-long mission to overcome obstacles; challenge the status quo, take responsibility for his or her actions while seeking the highest standard of excellence. Award candidates will be a recognized leader and catalyst for change in their community and an individual who leads by example, demonstrates a philosophy of respectfulness, teamwork, commitment, and human compassion in all aspects of their lives.
The inaugural winner of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award was Dikembe Mutombo. The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX will be presented during the Enshrinement Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 5. The evening will also include the induction of the Class of 2008.