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 5 to 16, at local parks and recreation centers across 17 neighborhoods in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
The programming used basketball as a vehicle to promote active living, foster positive youth development, and expand 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,” Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Atlanta Hawks, said in a press release. “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.
For more information about the Hawks Basketball Academy.
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