Over the last eight weeks, the Atlanta Hawks partnered with QuikTrip (QT) and surprised more than 1,500 youth at existing day camps across metro Atlanta as a part of the 2023 Community Court Tour presented by QuikTrip. The tour consisted of pop-up basketball and fitness activities led by the Hawks Basketball Academy coaching staff and featured appearances by Hawks alumni and players at already-existing day camps. 

“The Community Court Tour provides us an opportunity to ignite and grow a child’s passion for the game of basketball by surprising campers with a fun, interactive experience with Hawks' players, alum, and Basketball Academy coaches,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Community Impact and Basketball Programs Jon Babul. “By partnering with QuikTrip, we expanded program offerings to positively impact youth and created memories that will last a lifetime.”

Throughout the tour, the Hawks provided special half-day sessions for local youth with a curriculum that focused heavily on teaching basketball fundamentals and fitness basics with an emphasis on staying physically active, character development, and having fun. The Hawks stopped by 14 different locations throughout Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett County. Kids in attendance also received Hawks jerseys as well as gift bags with items such as a coupon, ball pump and mini-ball courtesy of QT.

On Thursday, June 29^th, the Hawks spotlighted their tour with various activations from a few of the team’s global partners such as CareSource and QT. After surprising nearly 150 kids with basketball drills at the Grant Park Recreation Center, the Hawks and QT also teamed up with Goodr, an Atlanta-based social impact startup leveraging technology to reduce food waste and end hunger, to provide one week’s supply of groceries for kids at this day camp. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson also coached the kids through different basketball drills and interacted with them at various stations.

“As a business with deep roots in Atlanta, QuikTrip recognizes the urgent need to invest in our youth and families,” said Aisha Jefferson, Corporate Communications Manager of QuikTrip. “We’re proud to have worked closely with the Hawks this summer to support the Community Court Tour and help so many of metro Atlanta’s youth feel more connected to their community. When our youth are inspired by positive mentors, they are more likely to stay on track for their goals and have healthy relationships – which makes our entire Atlanta community safer, stronger and more stable.”

At the tour, CareSource provided hydration stations as well as water bottles for kids in attendance. CareSource’s mascot, Cuddles, also visited a few stops on the tour and interacted with kids. In September 2022, the Hawks and CareSource announced an agreement that includes initiatives focused on the health and wellness of the Atlanta community and underserved families.

“We have enjoyed connecting with local youth throughout the Community Court Tour this summer,” said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia President. “These events gave us the opportunity to promote the importance of maintaining good health and further our mission to positively impact the health and wellness of the Atlanta community.”

In June, the Hawks and QuikTrip announced a new multi-year community-focused partnership, which made the Hawks the first team in the NBA to partner with QT. As an integral part of this relationship, QT is the naming rights sponsor of the team’s 2023 Community Court Tour. Like the Hawks, QT has a proud tradition of supporting the community. In 2023, QT has already invested $2.7 million into nonprofit organizations across the Metro Atlanta area aimed at strengthening neighborhoods, stabilizing families, and making our streets safer for youth to lead active, healthy lives.

The purpose of the Hawks Basketball Academy is to support the positive benefits attained through the sport of basketball by emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work and having fun. To learn more about the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy, visit Hawks.com/basketballacademy.