The Hawks will recognize World Autism Awareness Day during Saturday’s home game against the Nets. There will be several events, including a half-court shot worth $10,000 to benefit Autism Speaks.
Nick Bennett, a senior at North Hall High School in Gainesville, will attempt the half-court shot. Bennett has served as the student manager for the boys’ basketball team for four years. Bennett, who has autism, gained national attention after making more than 1,000 half-court shots while with the team. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation has pledged to make a minimum donation of $5,000 regardless of the outcome of Bennett’s attempt.
The Hawks will also have designated suites and quiet viewing rooms for autistic youth groups at the game. Scott Gross, a sports camp coach with the Wonder League, will be honored with the ‘Be Greater’ Award for teaching special needs youth through sports.
Hawks center Elton Brand, an advocate for autism awareness, recently attended basketball a basketball clinic for children on the autism spectrum during NBA FIT Live Healthy Week in January. He will participate in a meet and greet with guests from Autism Speaks and Kulture City following the game.
Autism, a complex disorder of brain development, affects one in 68 U.S. children, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
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