COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE TEAMS UP WITH THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS TO SERVE CAMDEN COMMUNITY
COOPER AND 76ERS TO PARTICIPATE IN DAY OF SERVICE, HOST FREE YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMPS JUNE 25-27
CAMDEN, NJ – JUNE 24, 2021 – Cooper University Health Care and the Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they will be participating in a day of service on Friday, June 25 and will also host two free youth basketball clinics on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. The events will all be held in Camden in support of the local community.
“Since moving their Training Complex to Camden, the 76ers organization has embraced the community. We are especially grateful for the 76ers support of Cooper and the community throughout the pandemic, and our work together on the Day of Service and Basketball Clinic initiatives benefiting city residents are the latest examples of their generosity and partnership,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
The day of service is part of the 76ers annual “Project 76” initiative through which 76ers employees are encouraged to dedicate 76 hours to volunteering in the local community. The event will take place at Cooper’s Poynt School where the 76ers have been involved in multiple projects over the years including court refurbishments, hosting youth basketball clinics, and implementing the NBA Math Hoops program. 76ers and Cooper volunteers will participate by painting and cleaning up the school.
“We are looking forward to serving the Camden community this weekend alongside our partners at Cooper University Health Care,” said Philadelphia 76ers President Chris Heck. “Cooper defines what it means to be a great community partner. From administering COVID-19 vaccines to providing for our local youth, we can always count on them to step up in times of need.”
In addition to the day of service, the 76ers and Cooper University Health Care will host a free, two-day youth basketball clinic at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, which will include special appearances by Marc Jackson, Franklin and Squad 76 members. The clinic will give participants ages 10-14 the opportunity to improve basketball skills and overall wellness in a fun and energetic atmosphere. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Our work with the 76ers on these community initiatives, which will enhance the Cooper Poynt school facility and provide Camden youth with an opportunity for basketball instruction from an NBA playoff organization, is tremendous. These events are especially timely, as we emerge from the pandemic which interrupted many educational and extra-curricular activities for children in the city,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-President/CEO of Cooper.
