57.8 F
Indianapolis
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pro teams give back during their rise

More by this author

It’s no secret that professional athletes are some of the highest paid individuals in the world.

However, athletes are also among the most charitable and civic-minded individuals, often using their time and resources to give back to the communities in which they live.

Both the Colts, who at press time led the AFC South of the NFL, and the Indiana Pacers, who led the Eastern Conference and the Central Division of the NBA, are poised to have a strong showing this season.

Yet as they achieve success on the field and the court, both teams are committed to also building hope among those with various needs in the community.

“We like to be part of the community and show our appreciation,” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said recently. “The economy has been tough on jobs and tough on charities, and to much is given, much is expected.”

Irsay has personally given significant contributions to a variety of charities and organizations. For the Colts as an organization, community involvement has been described as “a top priority,” according to its mission statement, with many of the team’s players being active in charitable organizations or setting up their own foundations to address specific causes.

Some of the current Colts players who operate foundations include Antione Bethea and his Safe Coverage Foundation, which provides access to resources for students who want a higher education; and Drew Stanton, whose High 5ive Foundation wants to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Also active are Brandon McKinney, Cory Redding, Matt Overton’s Pros 2 Youth organization and the Pat McAfee Foundation, which provides scholarships to the sons and daughters of U.S. military personnel.

Former Colts players who are still active in Indianapolis with their foundations include Gary Brackett, Ryan Diem, Tarik Glenn and Peyton Manning.

From its beginnings, the Pacers organization has also been committed to community outreach and service, largely through the Pacers Foundation, which, for 20 years, has supported not-for-profit organizations that focus on youth and education, built partnerships with corporate, nonprofit and local government entities and given game tickets to community groups that work with kids.

“It’s very important for us not only to compete for championships, but to give back to the community,” said Pacers coach Frank Vogel. “We have some great events that give us a chance to do that.”

The Pacers has a community relations department that hosts various initiatives that provide players and executives opportunities to serve and connect with the community.

Among the most visible initiatives are the All-Star Reading Team that promotes the importance of reading; the Black History Month Challenge; the George Hill MVP Scholarship Contest; and the Indiana Heroes project, which recognizes unsung individuals who make a significant impact on the lives of others.

Pacers players and executives are also known for making occasional visits to patients at various hospitals, conducting toy giveaways and taking children with non-profit organizations on shopping sprees at malls owned by Simon Property Group, whose leaders also own the team.

This month, Pacers player David West hosted the team’s annual Come to Our House Thanksgiving Dinner. Players, coaches, staffers, local media and volunteers served meals to hundreds of local men, women and children.

“It’s a part of service that we’re required as people to do,” West said. “We understand the importance of it and obviously understand that there are folks out there less fortunate than ourselves. Any opportunity that you have to lend them a hand, or something to contribute to their everyday life, obviously you want to be a part of that.”

- Advertisement -
ads:

Upcoming Online Townhalls

- Advertisement -

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest local news.

Stay connected

1FansLike
1FollowersFollow
1FollowersFollow
1SubscribersSubscribe

Related articles

Popular articles

Español + Translate »
Skip to content