Sporting legend Michael Jordan has been busy since he retired from basketball in 2003. Not only is he the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets, but he’s been making sure that he does all that he can for his local community and hometown.
Philanthropy
Michael Jordan is definitely what you’d call a philanthropist when you see just how much he’s done for those less fortunate over the years. As an ambassador of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he’s raised over $5 million for the charity and granted over 200 wishes. In 2018, he donated $2 million to the relief efforts after Hurricane Florence damaged parts of North Carolina and another $1 million following Hurricane Dorian ravaging the Bahamas in 2019.
Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics
However, one of the biggest donations he’s made to date was a whopping $7 million toward health clinics in Charlotte for the uninsured. He made the donation in 2017 in an effort to build two of the clinics in his hometown. The first clinic in west Charlotte opened last year to offer comprehensive healthcare for those who don’t have medical insurance. Over 3,350 patients have been seen at the location since it opened last Fall.
North End Clinic
Earlier this month, Michael Jordan appeared on a Zoom call with patients to announce that the second clinic was now open in North End. He explained how no one could have imagined what would happen after the first clinic opened, alluding to the global health crisis we now find ourselves in. However, it seems as though these clinics have now become a lifeline for many.
We love to see sports stars using all of the money they make for good. There’s no denying Michael Jordan has done something truly incredible for his community, which should help thousands more Charlotteans.
Just Like the Olympics, the Paralympics Opened to an Empty Stadium
The Paralympics started in the same empty National Stadium where the ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics took place. Japanese Emperor Naruhito started the event under a theme called We Have Wings. Notable people that were present included International Olympic President Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, and even the husband of the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris – Douglas Emhoff.
The Paralympics Opened With Vibrant Music, Fireworks, Acrobats, and Even Clowns
The opening was rich with amazing performances, excellent music, and magnificent fireworks from the top of the stadium. The fireworks concluded the performance and marked the start of the long parade of athletes. In his opening remarks, Parsons credited the efforts of many who contributed to making sure the event takes place.
The delegations that were represented with flags during the opening ceremony were 162 and included the refugee team. Compared to the Olympics, the Paralympics opening was very much the same in terms of grandeur, logistics, and organization, as well as the fact that it took place in the same empty stadium.
While the Paralympics Will Be Held Without the Fans, Some School Children Will Attend
Organizers of the Paralympics are planning to let some school children attend the competitions, despite the advice of the medical community. According to Parsons and Seiko Hashimoto, the president of the Tokyo organizing committee, the Paralympics can be held safely.
Earlier this year, Markus Rehm, the “Blade Jumper,” jumped 8.62 meters. This is enough to have won the previous six Olympics, as well as to beat the winning jump of the Tokyo Olympics, which was 8.41 meters. Craig Spence, who is the spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee, has said that the stigma attached to disability is no longer there when one watches the sport. He added that watching the games can change a person’s attitude toward disability. After all, how can one underestimate Matt Stutzman, known as the “Armless Archer,” who actually holds the world record for the longest, most accurate shot for any archer? Stutzman hit a target at 310 yards.