{"id":3246,"date":"2026-07-14T08:34:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T08:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3246"},"modified":"2026-07-14T08:34:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T08:34:41","slug":"the-hornets-are-espy-finalists-heres-what-earned-them-a-chance-at-the-award-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3246","title":{"rendered":"The Hornets are ESPY finalists. Here\u2019s what earned them a chance at the award"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a native North Carolinian, Grant Williams wanted to help and do something to inject a little hope.<\/p>\n

Read more How Panthers compare to rest of NFL with players 30 or older before training camp<\/a><\/p>\n

The western part of the state had been ravaged by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, torn apart in a way never imagined by one of the worst natural disasters the area had ever experienced. So last fall, one year after<\/u><\/a> the storm ravaged the area, Williams and others from the Charlotte Hornets<\/u><\/a> made the trek through the mountains to assist.<\/p>\n

Along with other members of the Hornets\u2019 organization and Mooreseville-based Lowe\u2019s, Williams helped community leaders begin a renovation of the Riverview Community Center in Creston, about 25 miles north of Boone. The full makeover included redoing the gym, basketball court, exercise room and surrounding outdoor spaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was definitely a difficult time \u2014 we were even a couple months after the fact,\u201d Williams told the Charlotte Observer. \u201cBut you could tell because people within the community said we are begging to have this rec center back and be able to play with each other again.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it was really cool to be able to go up there. We painted, we did everything possible to make it look good.\u201d<\/p>\n

In recognition of those efforts, the Hornets have been named a finalist for ESPN\u2019s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year. The award spotlights professional teams demonstrating how the power of sport can strengthen communities and create a lasting impact far beyond game results.<\/p>\n

Read more Daveigh Chase Left Behind $400K Estate Despite Living on the Streets<\/a><\/p>\n

Charlotte is one of four finalists for the award, joining the NFL\u2019s Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns and WNBA\u2019s Seattle Storm. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday at Gotham Hall in New York City as a precursor to ESPN\u2019s ESPY Awards on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The Riverview Community Center has been restored as a much-needed hub for the community, allowing residents once again to host youth sports, programs for after school care, senior fitness classes, cultural celebrations and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe community efforts of the Hornets\u2019 organization has shown up for the past two years since they took ownership of the group,\u201d Williams said. \u201cThese guys have really given back. And the project that we did in Asheville, I know to most wouldn\u2019t know anything about it, but it changed people\u2019s perception of their life at the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat gym was such a staple in the community. For us to go back and refurbish it, make sure it\u2019s something that\u2019s accessible and utilized, it means the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more This remote island is one of NC\u2019s hidden beach gems, Southern Living says<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hornets are finalists for ESPN\u2019s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year for their efforts after Hurricane Helene. Award spotlights pro teams helping communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3211,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-read-todays-edition"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Hornets are ESPY finalists. 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