The Comeback Court Comes to Challengers Boys & Girls Club
LOS ANGELES, Nov 19. 2023 -- The Challengers Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles recently celebrated the opening of their fifth Comebaq Court in partnership with the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation and Icy Hot. This collaboration aims to inspire young athletes and provide safe and accessible spaces for children in underserved communities. With the support of the Lakers Youth Foundation, the new Comebaq Court offers Club members an upgraded basketball space to enhance their skills and enjoy their favorite sport.
Shaquille O'Neal, a Boys & Girls Club alumni and legendary basketball player, has always recognized the importance of restoring basketball courts and creating safe places for children to play. "Restoring basketball courts and creating safe places for kids to play has always been important to me," Shaquille O'Neal said. "I was a kid at the Boys & Girls Club once, and the community supported me beyond just sports. I'm thrilled to celebrate the opening of this Comebaq Court at Challengers Boys & Girls Club for our kids to enjoy, as we ensure the next generation has access to safe places like these to follow their dreams."
Shaquille O'Neal (center) pictured with local dunkers and Challengers Boys & Girls Club members.
The official court reveal and dedication took place on November 16 at the Challengers Boys & Girls Club, with Shaquille O'Neal, local government officials, and representatives from various organizations, including the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, Icy Hot, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA), and Lakers Youth Foundation (LYF), gathering to celebrate. The Lakers Youth Foundation also conducted a basketball clinic for club members, fostering their skills and passion for the sport.
To add an extra special touch to the opening, a slam dunk competition was held on the new court, featuring some of the city's best local dunkers and renowned sports personality Rachel DeMita. This electrifying event brought together the Boys & Girls Club members, sparking excitement and showcasing their talent on the brand-new court.
Patrick Mahoney, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
"We are grateful to the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, the Lakers Youth Foundation, and Icy Hot for this magnificent new court," said Patrick Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. "BGCMLA strives to provide our young people with the highest quality programs in safe, world-class facilities. Thanks to our partners on this court, we can program more opportunities to compete and play!"
Through the restoration of basketball courts and the creation of safe spaces, BGCMLA is grateful for the support and opportunities created by the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, Icy Hot, and LYF. As we look ahead, the partnership is dedicated to supporting the next generation of athletes and creating a brighter future for children everywhere.
For more information on how to get involved with BGCMLA, please visit www.bgcmla.org/get-involved.
About Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA):
Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) was formed in 2015 with a deep history of impact across the metro Los Angeles area. In 2023, two of the country's most enduring clubs— BGCMLA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice – joined together to deepen our collective impact. As community staples since the sixties, BGCMLA now consists of seven locations, uplifting and servicing communities such as Challengers in South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Watts-Willowbrook, and Venice, as well as school sites. Staffed by caring and committed professional adult mentors, the clubs offer proven programs to bolster academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit our website at www.bgcmla.org.
About Icy Hot®:
As America's No. 1 topical pain relief brand among OTC topical analgesics, Icy Hot® makes powerful over-the-counter pain relief products that fuel your resilience to rise from pain. Our extensive line of products provides powerful, fast-acting relief to give you targeted relief. Icy to dull the pain. Hot to relax it away®. The Icy Hot brand is brought to you by Sanofi's Consumer Healthcare division that provides over-the-counter drugs such as topical analgesics, allergy medications, gas, constipation and heartburn medications, medicated skin products, as well as cosmetics and dietary supplements.
About The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation:
The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Established in 2019 by the NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children. While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools, the Foundation simultaneously supports Shaquille's other charitable endeavors, such as his annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives alongside his corporate partners. For more information, visit shaqfoundation.org.
About The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation (LYF):
The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization and the official team charity of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Foundation's mission is to help underserved youth develop their potential by providing positive experiences and resources in education, health and wellness, and sports. The Foundation also awards grants to other charities that support youth through direct services and programs in these areas.
