Sixers and Flyers Donate $15,000 in Sports Equipment to Philadelphia Youth in Kensington

Key Takeaways

• The Philadelphia Sixers and Flyers donated $15,000 worth of sports equipment to young athletes at Scanlon Recreation Center in Kensington
• Equipment was purchased from a local store and included basketballs, ice skates, hockey sticks, and other gear
• Travis Sanheim and Quentin Grimes attended the December 10 event alongside team mascots Franklin and Gritty
• The initiative addressed cost barriers in youth hockey, where equipment expenses often prevent participation
• Bank of America, Comcast Spectator, and Harris Blitzer Sports partnered on the community event

Equipment Distribution Targets Cost Barriers in Youth Hockey

The Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers delivered $15,000 worth of sports equipment to young athletes in Kensington on December 10, distributing gear purchased from a local retailer at Scanlon Recreation Center. The donation included ice skates, hockey sticks, basketballs, and other equipment designed to reduce financial barriers preventing youth participation in organized sports.

Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim, who attended the event with Sixers guard Quentin Grimes, pointed to hockey’s high equipment costs as a primary focus. “Hockey, it’s an expensive sport, so being able to help kids out and show them the game that we love and enjoy playing,” Sanheim said. “Hopefully it’s something kids take up and enjoy themselves, and they get the opportunity to do it.”

Multi-Organization Partnership Brings Resources to Kensington

Bank of America, Comcast Spectator, and Harris Blitzer Sports joined the two professional franchises in organizing the event. Jim Dever, president of Bank of America in Greater Philadelphia, described the Kensington location as strategic for reaching families who could benefit most from the equipment support.

“We are in the perfect spot here in Kensington where you can really make some dreams come true,” Dever said. “For the kids, for the parents, and that’s what really, what both the organizations and ourselves, are really involved with.”

The event extended beyond equipment distribution to include a pizza party and ice time with Sanheim, creating direct interaction between professional athletes and local youth.

Players Emphasize Community Connection

Grimes, who joined the Sixers earlier in the 2024-25 season, emphasized the importance of engaging with young athletes facing financial challenges. “I love giving back to the community,” Grimes told NBC10. “Since I’ve been in the NBA I’m aspiring the youth and doing stuff with people who may not be as fortunate as others. It gives a lot of hope and a lot of inspiration to the youth.”

The Sixers guard declined Sanheim’s invitation to join him on the ice, suggesting the hockey player try basketball instead. “On skates, I can skate a little bit, but I’ll leave that to my brothers,” Grimes said.

Addressing Participation Gaps Through Direct Support

The equipment donation model targets a documented barrier in youth sports participation, particularly in hockey where startup costs for protective gear, sticks, and skates can exceed several hundred dollars per athlete. By purchasing equipment from a local store and distributing it directly to families at a neighborhood recreation center, the partnership created immediate access without requiring advance registration or application processes.

The Kensington location places resources in a community where such support addresses documented need, according to participating organizations. The December timing allows families to access equipment heading into winter sports seasons when hockey programs typically begin.

via: NBC Philly

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