Karl-Anthony Towns Building Youth Basketball Facility in Dominican Republic to Honor Late Mother
Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks star, is building a state-of-the-art basketball training facility in the Dominican Republic in memory of his late mother, Jackie Cruz-Towns. The project isn’t just a gesture of love—it’s a transformative gift for the Dominican Republic’s youth, aimed at providing opportunities for sports, education, and personal growth.
Jackie’s name will be attached to the facility, a significant component of a larger sports complex comprising two soccer fields, four baseball diamonds, a volleyball court, and designated educational areas. The complex is not only a place for athletic training but also a holistic environment where young people can learn, grow, and dream. With top-notch coaching, physical therapy access, classroom space, and meeting areas, the complex provides youth with the resources they need both on and off the field.
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Honoring his mother’s memory and giving back to a country that profoundly impacted his life is deeply personal for Towns in this endeavor.
“It was really important for me to give back to my community, a country that’s given me everything, gave me my mother and gave me this love of the game of basketball,” Towns said. “It’s given me the word love, both of family and understanding how to treat people.”
Towns consider the facility more than just a training ground for hopeful athletes. Young people who may not have access to the necessary resources to pursue their passions can find a sanctuary at this location.
“It is the safe haven for some of these kids who have found themselves in different situations and have a lack of resources,” Towns explained. “To be able to give these kids a chance to dream and to really think of the dream — maybe they don’t make the NBA, the WNBA, professional baseball, become a professional volleyball player or a great soccer player — but now they get to dream.”
The complex will emphasize life skills, social development, and the values of passion, determination, and dedication, as well as athletic training.
“For them to be able to grow their life skills, their social skills, and also to learn how to have a passion and to be determined about something and have dedication, I think this is amazing,” Towns added.
The basketball training facility will be a lasting legacy of Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, who passed away in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Towns’s creation of this space in her honor preserves her memory and guarantees that her spirit of generosity and love will continue to inspire generations to come.
Karl-Anthony Towns hopes to open doors for Dominican youth through this facility, offering them a place to dream big and pursue their goals, whether on the court or in life.
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