The Many Contributions Of Michael Jordan Off The Court
Michael Jordan’s on-court accomplishments are legendary: six-time champion, five-time NBA MVP, and the most marketable and globally influential professional athlete ever. Because of his athletic dominance, though, Jordan’s off-court work is sometimes overshadowed. It is, however, still significant.
Chief among Michael’s efforts to give back to society is the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center, named for his father and founded in 1994. Michael personally donated 2 million for the development of the club, and his former team, the Chicago Bulls, donated 5 million. Today, the club is used by more than 1,000 adults and children every week, and is a mainstay of the city’s efforts to provide safe and productive environments for young people.
Michael Jordan is also heavily involved with the Make-A-Wish foundation, which named him its “Chief Wish Ambassador” in 1999. The organization helps grant wishes for tens of thousands of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions each year. Jordan himself has personally granted hundreds of wishes for young kids and raises money actively for the organization through celebrity golf tournaments, among other things.
To millions of kids, Michael Jordan is every bit the champion off the court that he was on it.Take a look here to learn more: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan to grace NBA 2K12 cover