Kyle Kuzma donates $1 million to YMCA for new high school

When asked about what growing up in Flint and playing at the local YMCA meant to Kuzma, he talked about his childhood at the YMCA. “The YMCA was wonderful. For me, it was a place where I could be safe and be myself. My mom often worked eight or nine hours a day, and in the summer sometimes I had to take the bus super early in the morning to be there, and I wanted to be there because there was nothing to do. at home and two, I like basketball,” he said.

“Being able to get to the Y early and play against the older guys at 12 when they were on lunch break, and being able to stay with my guys until I was 5, helped shape my life into who I am today.”

During the show, Kuzma announced to the YMCA: “I’m donating $1 million to the Flint YMCA.” After the round of applause, he continued: “I am extremely excited to give you this opportunity. I know for me the YMCA has been an extremely big part of my life and I’ve never had an amazing resource, and I want to make sure that you guys and the younger generation in Flint have that. Thank you, YMCA.”

Kyle Kuzma’s mother was at the YMCA during the announcement

During his interview, Kuzma attributed his success and inspiration to his mother. “He worked two jobs when I was growing up, and that hard work and dedication just to make a living and put food on the table has been my inspiration throughout my life,” he said. “Seeing him setting an example for his kids and everything else at a young age, that’s all I needed.”

Kuzma’s mother was at the YMCA during the announcement. He held one side of the huge donation check as he talked about what it meant to him. “I think it’s going to be a great thing for the community and the city of Flint and the members. I think it’s something they really deserve. They hung in there with that Y for so many years,” he said. “It needs some upgrades, so it’s going to be a great thing for the city of Flint, the members and the families, just more space, a safe place for the kids and more programs.”

Kuzma’s mother burst into tears as she thanked her son for giving back to the community. Then he said he was always a good kid and never got into trouble. “Sometimes I would drop him off before work and he would have to stay here for eight hours until I could get off work to pick him up,” she said. “It just shows how committed he is and that’s why he’s where he is and I’m very proud of what he’s done on the field, but more importantly what he’s done off the field and continues to do.”

Kyle Kuzma shared the news on Instagram

Kuzma shared a clip from the interview Instagram page. Many of the NBA star’s friends and fans jumped into the comments section to offer well wishes for his generous donation. Friend Winnie Harlow wrote: “Beautiful heart ❤️.” The Washington Wizards added “💙”.

One follower wrote: “This major. Keep winning bro,” and another added: “How Kuz thinks about the future of others.”