Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for February, the NBA announced today.
The monthly award recognizes an NBA player for their efforts and involvement with the local and international community.
Siakam is an ambassador for Right to Play and visits schools across Toronto to help youth strive for greatness through sports and education. He also motivates children to live a healthy and active life through his work with Sun Life Dunk for Diabetes program.
A native of Cameroon, Siakam has participated in a number of events in Canada and Africa, including the NBA Africa Game 2018 in Johannesburg and the 16th edition of Basketball Without Borders Africa. The week-long initiative saw Siakam participate in multiple events, including a Habitat for Humanity project, a training camp for the Africa and Middle East teams in the Jr. NBA World Championships and a visit to the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory.
“I am excited and honoured to receive the Community Assist Award for February,” Siakam said in a release. “My passion is basketball and I’m so lucky to be able to use this sport to give back to my community. Basketball is bigger than just a game. It’s an opportunity to give back to my new home of Toronto as well as Cameroon.”
He also represented Cameroon in December at the Giants of Africa Gala in Toronto, which is a two-day ceremony honoring Nelson Mandela.
Siakam will be presented the award ahead of the Raptors’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Sponsor Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will also donate $10,000 to Right to Play on Siakam’s behalf.
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