VANVLEET RECEIVES NOD FOR SOCIAL-JUSTICE AWARD

Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet has been named one of five finalists for the NBA’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award. The award recognizes a current NBA player for working toward equity on behalf of “groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged.” VanVleet, an all-star for the first time this past season, created a full academic scholarship awarded to a Black or Indigenous student with the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce program in December. The scholarship includes mentorship from VanVleet. VanVleet also co-hosted the “Bet on Yourself” podcast, highlighting struggling or up-and-coming BIPOC entrepreneurs. Dallas’s Reggie Bullock, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday and Memphis’s Jaren Jackson Jr., were also named finalists. The NBA to will donate US$100,000 to the winner’s choice of charity, and $25,000 to those of the other finalists. VanVleet has selected Penny Appeal Canada, a relief and development organization, as the recipient of his donation.