The NBA presented Russell Westbrook with the Community Assist Award during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s home game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. His Why Not? Foundation will receive a $10,000 donation from the NBA to help Westbrook continue his off-the-court efforts.
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“The award honors an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities. In both Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, Westbrook continues his work to enhance literacy programs. Last month, Westbrook and the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation opened a new reading center at North Highland Elementary in Oklahoma City. The facility, named Russell’s Reading Room, was stocked with 1,200 books for all ages, designed to ensure every student is inspired to find something they love to read. In addition, 450 students at North Highland received a book of their own to take home. When discussing his newest charitable initiative Russell says, ‘I have been very blessed in my life and believe it is my job to give back to the communities that have given me so much. I want to provide kids with the guidance and tools to find success, and that starts with literacy and education. By improving access to books and encouraging children to read, we can help them thrive throughout their educational careers.'”
Photo courtesy of Richard Rowe
