McGrady honored by NBA for community work

(Courtesy of the NBA) - In recognition of Tracy McGrady’s outstanding efforts in the community, and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored him with the Community Assist Award for January.

After a trip he funded to war-ravaged Darfur this summer, McGrady was moved. He knew he wanted to do more to help the youth there. In a special assembly at his alma mater, Auburndale High School (FL) earlier this year, he announced his participation in the “Stand Up for Darfur” humanitarian project with a donation of $75,000, which will be used to renovate and assist in the building of a school in the Djabal Camp, in Eastern Chad.

McGrady spoke to the students about his experiences during his trip to Darfur and also previewed a documentary he’s working on which chronicles the trip in an effort to educate people on what is happening in Chad and Darfur.

“It feels great to be able to give back and make a difference by helping those who are less fortunate,” McGrady said. “I have been blessed, and my wife and I want to use what we have been given to help others.”

To raise funds for education of Sudanese refugees, McGrady’s formed the “T-Mac Alliance,” which will work alongside other notable charitable groups such as ninemillion.org to raise money to train teachers and provide school materials, clothing and other essentials for students.

This effort in Africa is a continuation of what McGrady, through the Tracy McGrady Foundation, has been doing to give back to the community. In July of last year, Tracy and his wife CleRenda, dedicated a reading and technology center at Ross Elementary School, located in the Kashmere Feeder System of the Houston Independent School District. The Foundation funded the renovation project with $150,000 raised from the 2006 T-Mac Softball Classic.

The mission of the Tracy McGrady Foundation is to empower, encourage and enrich the lives of all youth by promoting education and literacy. The Foundation aims to challenge all youth to reach their optimum potential in life – to go beyond the ordinary and to become extraordinary

McGrady will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to the Tracy McGrady Foundation – for the Dafur Project - on McGrady’s behalf.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.