College Park Skyhawks Tip Off Basketball Season with Community Engagement Event at West Clayton Elementary

The College Park Skyhawks, the NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, kicked off the basketball season in a big way with their “Back to Basketball” event, hosted at West Clayton Elementary School on the southside of Atlanta. This celebration marked the beginning of year two of the Skyhawks’ “Colli’s Classroom” program, part of their ongoing commitment to fostering community connections. The event was held in conjunction with the NBA G League’s Fan Fest, presented by Wilson, and was designed to energize both students and faculty as basketball season begins.

“This has been a date all of us at the Skyhawks have had circled on our calendar since the start of the summer,” said Janice Koon, Senior Vice President of NBA G League and 2K League Operations for the Atlanta Hawks. “Year one with West Clayton Elementary was an inspiring and humbling experience for our team, and we can’t wait to continue our relationship with ‘Colli’s Classroom’ to foster a consistent presence with local students and faculty so we can bring a positive impact to our Southside community.”

The day’s festivities kicked off with a PE Takeover for fifth grade students, featuring shooting, agility, and defensive drills led by coaches from the Hawks Basketball Academy. Fourth and fifth graders then enjoyed a lively pep rally emceed by ManniSupreme, a popular radio personality from Hot 107.9. Later, third and fourth grade students had their turn to participate in the athletic drills and activities, making it a full day of energy and excitement.

“We are so excited to have the College Park Skyhawks back for year two of Colli’s Classroom,” said West Clayton Elementary School Assistant Principal Zakiyya Whittle. “Year one was a glowing success that saw tangible change in both our scholars’ lives and our faculty’s lives. To see familiar faces back on our campus has brought smiles to everyone’s face. This collaboration has been a continued celebration of family, community, education, and lasting memories that our scholars will take with them far into the future.”

The Skyhawks, in partnership with CareSource, a mission-driven managed care plan serving over 440,000 Georgians, also contributed to the day’s success by providing essential supplies to students. This marks the second time the Skyhawks and CareSource have teamed up for a supply drop at West Clayton Elementary, continuing the legacy started during the first year of Colli’s Classroom. Last year, all 20 classrooms at the school received more than 4,000 school supplies as part of the initiative.

“School supplies are a classroom necessity that support learning and foster creativity,” said Jason Bearden, market president of CareSource Georgia. “CareSource was proud to be a part of Colli’s Classroom for the second year to provide students at West Clayton Elementary with tools and materials that will help them reach their fullest educational potential.”

The Colli’s Classroom program, launched during the 2023-24 school year, has become a centerpiece of the Skyhawks’ community outreach. The initiative included various events such as a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic, reading and career day activities, and multiple physical education sessions. The Skyhawks’ goal is to impact the school’s 400 students and 60 staff members with monthly events ranging from basketball clinics and curriculum nights to service projects and holiday-themed celebrations.

For updates on the Skyhawks’ community initiatives, including Colli’s Classroom, follow @CPSkyhawks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram or visit cpskyhawks.com.