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San Antonio Spurs Score Big On And Off the Courts
Published Apr 14, 2008

A hometown crowd cheers as the San Antonio Spurs play the Detroit Pistons.

The San Antonio Spurs have worked hard to win four NBA championships, earning the enthusiastic support of local fans.

But perhaps their most meaningful work occurs away from the basketball court.

In 2008, the team’s Spurs Foundation is marking its 20th year of helping physically, emotionally and economically underserved youth in the South Texas community. The foundation has donated more than $12 million to charities over the years, with all of the money raised by fundraisers and donations.

“We try to create positive educational and recreational opportunities for children and young people to enjoy a greater quality of life,” says Alison Fox, San Antonio Spurs vice president of community relations and the Spurs Foundation director. “That includes awarding more than $100,000 in grants each year to organizations that work on behalf of young people.”

The Spurs Foundation also teams up with San Antonio center Tim Duncan and his own foundation to annually recognize and reward 3,000 children who demonstrate caring and civic responsibility.

Retired San Antonio Spurs also continue to contribute to the South Texas community. For example, former Spurs center David Robinson started Carver Academy, a K-6 school that helps develop a child’s academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. In addition, former guard George Gervin helped to establish a local youth center that is named after him.

The city has other professional sports teams, including the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball team that won the Texas League championship in 2007.

But it is the Spurs that create most of the sports buzz in San Antonio, so Fox says the team tries to be involved in the community as much as it can – earning respect both on and off the courts.

“The Spurs have many loyal fans in San Antonio and South Texas,” Fox says. “It’s a pleasure for our players and the team to give back.”

Story by Kevin Litwin
Photo by Jeff Adkins

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Magazine:
Business Images of the Alamo Area, 2008 Edition

Headline:
San Antonio Spurs Score Big On And Off the Courts

Summary:
Spurs players and team give back.

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