NYCHA - Sack Wern Basketball Court Refurbishment Kemba Walker

NYC Housing Authority


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2013
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

NYCHA, NBA Player Kemba Walker, and Under Armour Unveil the Newly Refurbished Basketball Court at Sack Wern Houses

Council Member Annabel Palma allocates funding for the court, along with Under Armour and the NBA

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman John B. Rhea joined NBA player Kemba Walker, Under Armour executives, and NBA legend Nate “Tiny” Archibald to cut the ribbon on the newly refurbished basketball court at Sack Wern Houses in the Bronx. Walker, the Charlotte Bobcats point guard who grew up in the Sack Wern Houses, partnered with his sponsor Under Armour, the NBA, Council Member Annabel Palma, and NYCHA to restore the basketball court in order to provide young athletes with increased access to play the game. The new court also provides a greater opportunity for youth to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

“It has always been a dream of mine to get this court redone,” said Kemba Walker, the former University of Connecticut phenom who grew up in the building right across from the court. “I think everybody here knows what this park means to me. I told myself that when I had a chance I would come back and give back to the community.”

“This generous donation from our own Kemba Walker shows the heart of a true champion who genuinely cares about his community and wants to give back,” said NYCHA Chairman John Rhea. “NYCHA is grateful to this young man, Under Armour, the NBA, and Council Member Palma for having our youth’s interest in mind and making their recreation a priority.”

Under Armour, the NBA, and Council Member Palma provided the funding that resulted in the re-pavement of the basketball court, the installation of new backboards and basketball posts, color surfacing and lines on the court, and new fencing. Under Armour and NBA FIT also hosted a number of youth basketball activities, including basketball and fitness clinics on the court for NYCHA youth from Sack Wern, Kips Bay, and Bronxdale, and a block party.

In addition to the Sack Wern basketball court, earlier this summer Under Armour and NBA FIT refurbished courts in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and will refurbish courts in Los Angeles and Chicago, as well.