Allen Iverson has never forgotten where he came from. The Hall of Famer makes it a point to ensure kids in the East End of Newport News have the resources they need while growing up. That’s why he’s been a dedicated supporter of the Boys & Girls Club—a place that shaped him long before he became “The Answer.” “It means everything to me,” he once said. “I’m from here. Obviously, I was one of these kids.”
Hal Smith, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, has seen firsthand how the club helped mold Iverson into who he is today. “Allen grew up in this Boys and Girls Club. This is where he learned to play sports and learned to grow,” Smith said.
So it wasn’t surprising to see Iverson at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center in Louisville, when the third annual Sneaker Ball was talking place. He took a break from his role as Reebok’s vice president for the basketball division role and joined the event as the guest speaker. He shared stories of his youth, emphasizing how the Boys & Girls Club played a crucial role in keeping him on the right path.
“Where I grew up in the rough area that I grew up in, from the time that I got out of school, you know, to the time you, you know, go outside and play and get back into the house, so many things can happen, so many temptations,” said Iverson as per WLKY. “And the Boys and Girls Club was an outlet for me. You know what I mean? For that time, for me to do something positive.”
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia 76ers player Allen Iverson acknowledges the crowd during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
All proceeds from the Sneaker Ball will go toward supporting four traditional Boys & Girls Clubs in West Louisville and two new school-based sites at Breckinridge-Franklin and Engelhard Elementary. Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana raised over $400,000. This year? The hope is to surpass that.
Allen Iverson’s giving spirit shines through Boys & Girls Clubs
A few months ago, in December, Allen Iverson made sure the kids in his hometown had a Christmas to remember. The Hall of Famer visited the local Boys & Girls Club in Newport News, personally donating toys and gifts to 50 children at the Club of Greater Hampton Roads. It wasn’t just a one-time gesture, though. Iverson grew up between the Greater Hampton Roads Club on Hampton Avenue and another club on Shell Road. So, every time he returns, it’s not just about giving back—it’s about coming home.
Back in 2018, Iverson took things even further. He didn’t just stop by—he unveiled a brand-new basketball court for the community. More than just a place to hoop, the state-of-the-art facility gave kids a safe space to grow, learn, and be surrounded by positive influences. “It just makes me feel so good about myself to be able to inspire,” Iverson said. “To be able to encourage these kids where I’m from and let them know that dreams do come true.”
CEO Hal Smith also addressed it, saying, “This gymnasium is an asset in the community. It’s what gets kids in the door… For a guy like Allen Iverson, it was to play in the NBA.”
And thanks to his long-standing partnership with Reebok, Iverson made sure the kids left with more than just memories. Reebok donated 150 pairs of shoes and backpacks filled with school supplies, thanks to contributions from local community partners. Every kid who showed up that day walked away with something special—just like Iverson intended.
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