Kudos to Kareem – Make Someone’s Day Sport Story

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a giant in basketball and he continues to be a giant in life. I’m not sure why this was getting airtime this past week – he did this back in 2019 – but I didn’t see it then. What did he do? He sold his NBA championship rings, trophies, and other memorabilia for $2.8M to support youth. Specifically his inspiration was to ensure that children who were underserved and underrepresented could spend five days in the Angeles National Forest.

“When it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple,” said Abdul-Jabbar to ESPN at the time. “Sell it all. Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago, I’d rather look into the delighted face of a child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might be doing for their future. That’s a history that has no price.”

What also has no price is the ability to make someone’s day, whether it be financially or making someone’s day with acts of loving kindness. Let the inspiration from Kareem’s actions inspire us all to do more, be more, and help others whether they’re in the schoolyard, backyard, or workplace.