If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes are going to be the happiest centenarians around.
Stories that’ll make you smile,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS- There are so many athletes and teams doing great things, but these five rose to the top. There’s no way to list all the work these athletes have done because this post would take you hours to read.
1. John Cena’s heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler’s mantra is “Never Give Up” and that’s what he’s told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he’s met with. There are so many moments to make you smile like the time he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor, while decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Because of the orchestrated nature of his sport, he’s even gone as far as to weave certain moves requested by the kids into his “performance” during a matchup. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
2, Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. His big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves nearly 300 at-risk third and fourth graders. In the first year, the year-round school has seen growth among the 90% of students – who started the school year at least one year behind grade level – met or exceeded their expected growth in math and reading. He recently purchased an old restaurant to turn into a multi-purpose facility for the I PROMISE families. CHANGING THE FUTURE
3. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff are among the NFL (National Football Association) players donating Christmas trees to their local communities. Through a partnership with Lowe’s they will be donating over 13,000 trees to homes and facilities like first responder stations, nonprofit housing organizations and youth centers. DELIVERING HAPPINESS
4. No act goes unnoticed and Virginia’s head men’s basketball coach made a selfless choice that will benefit so many others. After winning the first-ever national championship for the school, coach Tony Bennett recently turned down a raise. In an unprecedented move, he asked that the money be given to his assistant coaches and the school. He also pledged $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former UVA basketball players. GOOD GUY
5. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he’s not afraid to write a significant check, he’s also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of four has made a huge impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan, who lost both his parents in the war, to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children’s lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he’s been awarded with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD
