This summer, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy continued its commitment to investing in communities across Metro Atlanta through its 2026 Community Court Tour, an eight-week initiative that engaged more than 1,600 young athletes with free basketball clinics and wellness-focused activities.

Now in its sixth year, the tour connected Hawks Youth Development coaches and team alumni directly with youth, aged five to 16, at local parks and recreation centers across 17 neighborhoods in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. The programming leveraged basketball as a vehicle to promote active living, fostering positive youth development and expanding access to quality sports experiences. Since its inception, more than 9,000 athletes across Metro Atlanta have participated, reflecting the growing reach of the summer series.  

“Our Community Court Tour reflects our belief that every neighborhood should have the opportunity to experience the game in a meaningful way,” said Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Atlanta Hawks. “By bringing basketball directly into communities, we’re removing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for young people to discover everything the game has to offer. That’s how we invest in the next generation.”

Each stop of the tour created a memorable experience designed to encourage healthy habits in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Participants of all skill levels rotated through basketball stations focused on developing fundamental skills while taking part in cardio challenges, agility drills, and guided stretching exercises. Special appearances by former Hawks players provided opportunities for mentorship and meaningful connection, allowing youth to learn from positive role models about the importance of movement. Each participant also received a Hawks-branded basketball, T-shirt, and additional team merchandise to continue their engagement.

Beyond basketball instruction, select tour stops featured interactive wellness experiences made possible through CareSource. Participants and their families enjoyed nutritious smoothies, received reusable water bottles to encourage hydration, and interacted with CareSource’s mascot, Cuddles, through activities designed to promote overall well-being.

“At CareSource, we believe in meeting our members where they are,” said David Donohue, President of CareSource Georgia. “By connecting with local youth and families through the Hawks Community Court Tour, we were able to promote the importance of staying active and building healthy habits that support long-term wellness in our communities.”

The impact of the Community Court Tour extends beyond each individual stop, reflecting the Hawks Basketball Academy’s ongoing efforts to bring the game closer to the next generation. Through year-round initiatives, the Academy continues to use basketball as a unifying force, creating opportunities for shared experiences, strengthening neighborhood connections, and encouraging a lifelong passion for the game.

For more information about the Hawks Basketball Academy, visit Hawks.com/basketballacademy.