Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard received April’s NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente. According to the press release from the Blazers, the monthly award was presented to Lillard for his continued work with Portland youth.
The press release went on to highlight Lillard’s RESPECT program.
Since arriving in Portland in 2012, Lillard has focused on investing in and mentoring local high school-aged youth through his RESPECT program that supports, encourages and celebrates three Portland-area high schools – McDaniel, Parkrose and Roosevelt. This year amidst the global pandemic and the new virtual learning environment, RESPECT adjusted to maintain engagement with the students.