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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION FOR ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, AND A LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes that the legacy of an athlete extends beyond championships and records to the lives touched, opportunities created, and communities strengthened through service; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens, and Oscar Robertson, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), known as Legends of Basketball, unites former professional basketball players and advances their contributions to society beyond their playing careers; and
WHEREAS, through its charitable initiative, Legends Care, the NBRPA promotes youth development, educational opportunity, mentorship, and community engagement, demonstrating how the influence of professional athletes can create meaningful opportunities for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the NBRPA’s Full Court Press: Prep for Success program provides basketball instruction, life-skills education, and mentorship to young people, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and perseverance; the organization has reported conducting more than 100 clinics and reaching over 7,500 young people, including youth in underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, through its Legends HBCU Scholarship Program, the NBRPA supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities through scholarships, mentorship, and career-development opportunities, investing in educational achievement and the development of future leaders; and
WHEREAS, the NBRPA addresses community needs through charitable outreach, including food assistance for families experiencing hardship, support for organizations serving vulnerable residents, and initiatives to improve outdoor basketball courts and expand access to positive recreational spaces; and
WHEREAS, the NBRPA’s Chicago Chapter has advanced these goals through local youth programming and community partnerships, including a May 2024 Full Court Press clinic serving young people from ABC Pilsen Athletics, where former professional players provided basketball instruction and encouraged teamwork, respect, and personal development; and
WHEREAS, the organization’s Chicago-area outreach has also included food assistance and donations of clothing and essential items to individuals and families experiencing hardship, reflecting a commitment to addressing immediate needs while strengthening community resources; and
WHEREAS, the National Basketball Retired Players Association, known as Legends of Basketball, demonstrates its commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment through its Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Fund, which has provided more than $1.5 million in educational assistance to eligible students and family members; its 2020 scholarship awards, totaling $232,000 for 78 students; and its Legends HBCU Scholarship Program, which awards $10,000 scholarships to eligible students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, helping expand access to higher education and invest in the next generation of leaders; and
WHEREAS, the NBRPA and its members serve as examples of leadership beyond professional sports, using their experiences and public influence to encourage young people to pursue education, overcome adversity, and recognize their potential to contribute positively to their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes the value of these efforts to underserved communities throughout Cook County and the greater Chicago metropolitan area, where mentorship, educational resources, and accessible recreational opportunities can help expand possibilities for children and families; and
WHEREAS, the NBRPA’s enduring legacy demonstrates that athletic excellence and community responsibility can go hand in hand, inspiring future generations to measure success not only by personal achievement but also by their contributions to the well-being of others;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Cook County Commissioner, Dr. Kisha, E. McCaskill, Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, hereby recognize and honor the National Basketball Retired Players Association, known as Legends of Basketball, for its distinguished contributions to professional basketball and its sustained commitment to youth mentorship, educational advancement, charitable outreach, and community service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners expresses its appreciation to the NBRPA and its members for their continued efforts to support young people, assist families, and create opportunities in underserved communities throughout the Chicago area and beyond; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Basketball Retired Players Association as an expression of the Cook County Board of Commissioners’ appreciation for its athletic legacy, community leadership, and commitment to service.
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