Kevin Durant Charity Foundation To Unveil Basketball Court Renovation At North Highland Elementary

Kevin Durant will unveil a new basketball court for North Highland Elementary School and the Oklahoma City community at a dedication ceremony on Monday, Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m. The outdoor court is the first North American court launch under the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation’s BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL Courts Renovation Initiative.

Durant and his foundation will launch completely new and renovated basketball courts to inspire and motivate young athletes across the world. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL furthers the mission of the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation to enrich the lives of youth from low-income backgrounds through various educational and athletic programs.

“I’m so thankful for the role that basketball had in my life as I was growing up,” said Durant. “I want to provide the students of North Highland and Oklahoma City with access to a high quality basketball court that will help the next generation develop their own passion for the game while learning important values such as teamwork, sportsmanship and living an active lifestyle. I’m grateful for my partners for helping create this opportunity to further the game of basketball in my community here in Oklahoma City.”

Durant chose North Highland Elementary to be the first North American court renovation project as part of his commitment to the Oklahoma City community and the sport of basketball at large. Established in 1963, North Highland Elementary serves students in grades kindergarten through sixth and is a member of the Oklahoma City Public Schools System.

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“We are so excited that Durant thought enough of the North Highland community to donate that which is so near and dear to his heart and soul,” said Anita Jones, North Highland Elementary Principal.  “I am hopeful that each time a person steps on the court a bit of that Durant magic will help to transform dreams into a reality. “

The new court’s underlays will include Nike Grind, a premium material made from recycled athletic shoes and Nike manufacturing scrap that provides cushioning and durability. This is the second court to be unveiled as part of the BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL initiative, with Durant opening a renovated court last month in Berlin, Germany.

“It’s important that Kevin’s foundation contributes to the infrastructure of Oklahoma City, given the relationship that he shares with the people in the community where he lives and plays,” said Rich Kleiman, Vice President of the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation and Roc Nation agent for Durant. “We hope it is a special day for the students at North Highland Elementary, and we’re excited to launch our first court in North America there.”  

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