Cavaliers vs. Hawks Unity Game 2016: Date, Start Time, Comments and More
The Atlanta Hawks unveiled plans Monday for the NBA's first-ever Unity Game, which will take place Monday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the preseason.
The Hawks categorized the gathering as a celebration of "multicultural groups, diverse populations and organizations committed to improving relations among different groups."
Hawks CEO Steve Koonin issued a statement, thanking the Cavaliers for agreeing to participate:
"Our organization has seen firsthand how a sports team, its staff and every member, can positively affect the morale of a city. We have a brand promise to entertain and unite the city of Atlanta and we think our Unity Game is another great step toward keeping that promise. We are thankful that the Cavaliers share similar values of inclusion and diversity and understand the importance sports can play beyond the court.
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The team said the idea came about during a July organizational meeting where employees sought a way to unify Atlanta natives amid social unrest.
Hawks and Cavaliers players will participate in special video packages centered on unity, which will offer advice on how citizens can help impact their cities. Cleveland forward LeBron James previously made headlines this summer at the 2016 ESPYs, speaking with Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade on gun violence and social equality.
"Let's use this moment as a call to action to all professional athletes to educate ourselves, explore these issues, speak up, use our influence and renounce all violence and, most importantly, go back to our communities, invest our time, our resources, help rebuild them, help strengthen them, help change them. We all have to do better," James said, per ESPN.com.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights CEO Derreck Kayongo will also speak to the crowd at halftime as part of a special ceremony.
In addition, the Hawks are planning an undisclosed financial donation to charitable organizations in the Atlanta area.
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