HAWKS AND STATE FARM® UNVEIL 10TH GOOD NEIGHBOR CLUB AT THE ANDREW AND WALTER YOUNG FAMILY YMCA
The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm unveiled a newly renovated, multi-functional Good Neighbor Club on Thursday, April 18 at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA in southwest Atlanta. This is the 10th Good Neighbor Club and it features a gym renovation including a refurbished basketball court, which is named in honor of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins.
The Young Family Y was selected as the location for the tenth Good Neighbor Club due to its strong ties to the Southwest Atlanta community and the continued relationship between the YMCA, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Walter Young and Wilkins. The renovation includes new backboards and hoops, an upgraded scoreboard, new wall pads, a partition replacement, lighting upgrades, additional basketball equipment and more.
“I’m super excited to be a part of the Hawks and State Farm’s new Good Neighbor Club and help continue to impact the local youth at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA,” said Wilkins. “The Young brothers have continued to serve our local community and understand the importance of uplifting the game of basketball. From the court dedication 15 years ago to now, it’s been amazing to see the legacy grow and I’m excited to watch this Good Neighbor Club impact even more local youth.”
The unveiling event featured special activities for the youth in attendance like basketball skills challenges, relay races, a torch craft and photo booth. The activities featured an opening ceremony, passport stamps for completing stations that the attendees could use for a raffle and a closing ceremony where they were able to get participation medals. Attendees also enjoyed a surprise visit and giveaways from Hawks entertainment including Harry the Hawk, the ATL Dancers and Flight Crew.
In addition to Dominique Wilkins and the Young brothers, the Hawks and State Farm were joined at the unveiling by YMCA of Metro Atlanta CEO Lauren Koontz, Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens and Atlanta City councilmembers Byron Amos, Michael J. Bond, Antonio Lewis and Marci Overstreet.
"State Farm is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with the Atlanta Hawks through the launch of the 10th Good Neighbor Club at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA,” said Tanya James, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Manager. “This collaboration exemplifies the power of corporate partnerships in creating a positive impact within our community. By working together, we are showcasing the essence of being 'Good Neighbors.' State Farm is proud to support initiatives building safer, stronger and better educated communities. We look forward to the continued success of this partnership and the positive impact it will bring to the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA and the surrounding area."
Founded in 1959 and formerly known as the Southwest Y, YSY, was one of the city’s earliest Ys. The Young Family Y has been serving the communities of East Point, College Park, Hapeville and West End for more than 60 years through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
View photos below from the Good Neighbor Club' unveiling.
