Cooper University Health Care and the Philadelphia 76ers have teamed up to renovate and upgrade the basketball court at Dominick Andujar Park in Camden as part of a community partnership between the two organizations. The basketball court rebuild is one of a number of initiatives the two organizations have teamed up together to support families in the City of Camden.
“From its support of Cooper during the pandemic to its work on creative community initiatives like rebuilding a basketball court for the public’s use, the 76ers are a perfect example of how the City’s employers are working together to improve the quality of life for residents in Camden,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees.
“We are thankful to our partners at Cooper University Health Care for joining us in creating a safe place for our youth to play and build healthy habits. We believe it is our responsibility to serve our local communities and Cooper has always shared in that mission. Cooper’s drive for positive change in Camden inspires the entire community and we love being involved as a true partner,” said Chris Heck, President, Business Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Working together, Cooper and the 76ers are proud to offer a much-improved recreational space which will enhance this North Camden neighborhood. This joint effort demonstrates Cooper’s and the 76ers’ commitment to continually transform Camden into a vibrant city for those who live, work, and go to school here,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper.
“We know that exercise and recreation are important for healthy development in children and help create healthy communities overall. This newly refurbished basketball court will be put to good use and will be a safe, fun community hub for children and adults alike,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper.
Since partnering in early 2020, Cooper and the 76ers have worked on numerous community projects together. Earlier this summer, Cooper team members and the 76ers took part in the “Project 76” initiative that focused on numerous refurbishments efforts at Cooper’s Poynt School. Also in June, the two organizations offered a multi-day youth basketball clinic at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in East Camden which provided health and nutrition education along with basketball instruction.
ABOUT COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE
Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system with more 8,500 employees and more than 800 employed physicians. Cooper University Hospital is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. Annually, nearly two million patients are served at Cooper’s 635-bed flagship hospital, outpatient surgery center, three urgent care centers, and more than 105 ambulatory offices throughout the community.
The Cooper Health Sciences campus is home to Cooper University Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most storied franchises in the National Basketball Association, having won three World Championships, earning nine trips to The Finals and making 51 playoff appearances over 72 seasons. The Philadelphia 76ers organization is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.
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Contact: Wendy A. Marano
Public Relations Manager, Cooper University Health Care
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
Office: 856.382.6463
Cell: 856.904.1688
That’s an awesome thing to do. I’m sure the local kids and adults will love it!