Dec 11 - Okafor Gives Back

Posted on December 11, 2012

Jeremy Hyman - WashingtonWizards.com

 
On Monday night, the Wizards flew into New Orleans in preparation of their game game with the Hornets. Shortly after arriving, Emeka Okafor made his way to St. Stephen’s School to take part in an event for his charity, ELEVATE. He joined his good friend, ELEVATE's Executive Director Sky Hyacinthe, to accept a donation from United Healthcare Insurance and to unveil the organization’s new logo.



ELEVATE New Orleans is a mentor-based program designed to elevate the life skills and abilities of inner-city student-athletes. Okafor is a big supporter of healthy living, education, and athletics, which is why ELEVATE is such a great fit for the Wizards' big man.

PHOTOS

Okafor spent the past three seasons living in New Orleans, which is how he got involved in this New Orleans charity. With the Wizards in town to play the Hornets on Tuesday night, this was a great opportunity for Okafor, ELEVATE's national spokesman, to be able to make an appearance and speak to the children and their parents.

The evening began with Okafor addressing the crowd about the importance of living a healthy life, education, and physical activity. He made mention of the twelve student's who just finished ELEVATE's program and received scholarships to attend college because of the charity.

 

Next, the new ELEVATE logo was unveiled, followed by Okafor spending time playing with the children in attendance. The kids were all smiles as Okafor assisted them one by one with sharp passes from the top of the key. The evening finished with photo opportunities as each kid was able to take a picture with 'Mek in front of the new logo.



It was a great night and great to see Okafor continue his philanthropic ways even after leaving the city of New Orleans.