Washington Wizards Star John Wall Gives Back To Hometown Raleigh, North Carolina
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards’ John Wall recently gave back to his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina
The face of a sports franchise is held to a greater standard than most people.
Not only are they asked to produce at an almost superhuman level on the court, but they’re asked to become superheroes off the court as well.
Any slip up – the ones we usually get away with – can permanently damage an athlete’s perception.
The Washington Wizards couldn’t have asked for a better franchise player than John Wall.
Wall, whom the team picked first overall in 2010, has been an exemplary athlete off the court.
The perennial All-Star point guard knows that it takes a lot more than just points, rebounds and assists to become a historically great player.
While we care about the accomplishments he receives now, they will most likely be forgotten once his career is over. The 20 points and 10 assists will be a hidden memory.
Wall recognizes that he’s been put in a place where he could positively impact others’ lives. That’s an aspect high profiled people often forget about, but it’s one that Wall has fully embraced.
With the John Wall Family Foundation, the Washington Wizards’ star recently gave back to his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Wall, who won the NBA Community Assist Award this year for his effort in the D.C. area, held a Back to School Block Party.
In the video Wall posted on his Instagram account, it shows him giving backpacks to children, taking pictures and dancing. It was his third annual giveaway.
Wall also gave an inspiring speech to the kids who came to the event.
“It means a lot for y’all to come out and show me support,” Wall said. “When I was growing up here, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, my family and friends – you’re the reason why I’m the person I am today.”
“My mom – she instilled in me to be a grown man, to work hard and to make sure I put education first. For all you little kids, girls and boys, you might not be a professional athlete, but you might be a teacher and you might be a doctor. But whatever you do, give a 110 percent effort and don’t ever quit on your dreams.”
That sentiment might not have worked if it was given by someone other than Wall, but since it was coming from someone who was in a difficult spot not too long ago, his words must have resonated with the children in attendance.
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Wall is an incredible example of someone who’s constantly using his fortune to help others. At the end, that’s something that will be remembered forever by the kids he’s worked with.