ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks at present introduced guard Trae Younger has been awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for the 2021-22 season. The award is earned yearly by the Hawks participant who most intently exemplifies the traits of a group ambassador displayed by Collier, the late Atlanta middle who handed away in 2005. Younger turns into the fifteenth participant to obtain the award.
“It’s an honor to obtain the 2022 Jason Collier Award,” mentioned Younger. “I’m grateful to be amongst a bunch of diligent individuals who proceed to assist meet the mandatory wants of the local people. I try to positively affect the psychological well being of youngsters and adults from all walks of life each single day.”
Since becoming a member of the Hawks, Younger has shared his ardour for elevating psychological well being consciousness. He has held conversations in regards to the trigger and continues to interact in key initiatives on the subject. Most just lately, Younger lent his voice as a part of a multi-initiative marketing campaign with the Hawks and ‘Silence the Disgrace’, a nonprofit group that focuses on schooling and consciousness round psychological well being. The 2-time All-Star and five-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Chlöe Bailey participated in a ‘Teen Psychological Wellness Courtside Chat’ to share and convey consciousness to their experiences with psychological well being and wellness.
Moreover, Younger is dedicated to group work all through town of Atlanta. In Nov. 2021, Younger donated 500 Thanksgiving meals for underserved males to Atlanta Mission. In Dec., he donated $10,000 to the Atlanta Downtown Enchancment District’s vacation coat drive to affect these in want in the course of the winter months.
“On behalf of my household and daughter, Ella, I’m past honored and thrilled that Trae Younger was this yr’s recipient of the Jason J. Collier Memorial Trophy,” mentioned Katie Collier. “This award is introduced yearly to the participant who greatest exemplifies the traits of my husband off the court docket as a group ambassador. We respect Younger’s dedication to serving the Atlanta group via the Trae Younger Household Basis. My household continues to be glad about the Atlanta Hawks group of their assist in retaining Jason’s legacy alive via the presentation of this award yearly.”
Younger has additionally been targeted on being an lively a part of his group again residence in Norman, Okla. Based in 2019, the Trae Younger Household Basis was fashioned with the aim of constant schooling for psychological well being issues, significantly cyber and social media bullying. In July 2021, he and his household opened The Younger Household Athletic Heart, which incorporates services supplied by Norman Regional Well being Methods, in addition to an aquatics middle, 12 volleyball courts and eight basketball courts. The Trae Younger Household Basis additionally offers scholarship alternatives, guaranteeing that native kids may have the chance to make the most of the power in a leisure method in addition to obtain the mandatory gear to take part in sports activities no matter their households’ monetary background.
Previous recipients of the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy embody: Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07), Marvin Williams (2007-08 and 2010-11), Al Horford (2008-09), Josh Smith (2009-10), Zaza Pachulia (2011-12), Devin Harris (2012-13), Kyle Korver (2013-14), DeMarre Carroll (2014-15), Mike Muscala (2015-16), Paul Millsap (2016-17), Malcolm Delaney (2017-18), Kent Bazemore (2018-19), John Collins (2019-2020) and Cam Reddish (2020-21).
Go to Hawks.com/community to study extra about Atlanta Hawks group efforts.
