There are efforts being made by the Sacramento Kings franchise to help locally with emergency response. Two of their players are helping on a bigger scale.
While we are facing serious issues with the COVID-19 pandemic here in the United States, there are other countries around the world that are suffering as well. Thanks to two players on the Sacramento Kings’ roster, one of those countries will be seeing a crucial influx of medical supplies.
Bogdano Bogdanovic and Nemanja Bjelica remain close to their Serbian heritage by playing on the nation’s national team, and helped out their home country tremendously this week. With the help of the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, the duo funded the purchase of much needed masks, ventilators, and hospital supplies.
The generosity shown by Bogdanovic and Bjelica is one of many ways that Kings players and the organization have reached out to the general public with aid. Last week, the team donated $250,000 and 10,000 medical masks to assist in local relief efforts and donated nearly 5,000 pounds of food to local food banks a month prior.
In addition, the building formerly known as ARCO Arena will become a surge hospital to help with the issue of overcrowding in hospitals. The future of the site has long been debated, but the extra space will certainly come in handy given the current crisis in the area.
A quote from Bogdanovic on his generosity towards his home country:
"“I am inspired by all those across the NBA and around the world who have given back to individuals hardest hit by this crisis, which is why it was important to me to support the people back home by providing these supplies to help save lives. I want to thank the brave medical professionals who are working hard every day to treat everyone affected by the coronavirus. I know that soon we will get through this difficult time together"
We will continue to bring you daily coverage of the Kings, and especially any news of efforts that the franchise makes to assist the community. Or world, in this case.