The HOOPs Initiative is dedicated to fostering a connection between professional athletes and inner cities across North America. Through partnership with regional non-profits and players, we can empower our local communities and inspire change for future generations.
It is my distinct honor to welcome you to the HOOPs initiative. Our movement is founded upon the principles of integrity and community. This international initiative is dedicated to fostering connection between professional athletes and inner cities across North America. Through partnership with regional non-profits and players, we can empower our local communities and inspire change for future generations.
The origins of this initiative go back to my childhood; I was raised in Memphis, TN and was always active around the city from sporting events to social work. All of my favorite activities involved the inner-city; feeding the homeless, clean-ups, food banks, I fell in love with these kinds of events. While the visible impact was gratifying, the conversations and the perspective I gained while I was young planted the seed and ultimately blossomed as the HOOPs initiative.
Our vision with the HOOPs initiative is to connect the most influential people in any city to impoverished areas. These areas only need a glimmer of hope to feel inspired to turn the tide, but we want to give them a “slam dunk”of hope. That’s what professional athletes can provide in all different forms as mentors, role models, or simply by being present in these areas assisting the HOOPs initiative. These activities are capable of reaching all types of demographics at their core, and it is crucial that we reach this up-and-coming generation during the trying times they are facing.
HOOPs events and programs are fuelled by sponsors, who may support both financially and in-kind. Sponsors are critical to ensuring events run smoothly and have enough resources to make an impact. In return, sponsors receive rich community engagement and heightened brand awareness.
Athletes are critical to ensuring that youth program participants are supported by a positive and recognizable influence. Players support HOOPs initiatives by helping run events and educate/mentor youth in their communities. In return, athletes receive philanthropic experience and knowledge on community issues.
HOOP's leverages community volunteers to reduce the overhead of running events and give experience to youth seeking community engagement with a non-profit. Volunteers receive essential training and gain valuable philanthropic experience alongside athletes.
Our organization partners with a variety of non-profit initiatives to help cross-promote similar philanthropic ventures while maximizing the number of services available to youth participants. Non-profit partners also gain valuable connections to sponsors and athletes.
