Wizards Star Kyle Kuzma Breaks Ground On New YMCA In His Hometown
Earlier this year Kyle Kuzma publicly announced that he was donating $1 million to his hometown Flint, Michigan YMCA.
This week, was the groundbreaking event for the YMCA. Neil Dalal, Hoop District, had this quote from Kuzma: "This means so much to me more than anything I've every done. ... I'm hoping that one day another kid from Flint that aspires to be an athlete, an artist or even a doctor can use these wonderful resources."
It’s long been documented Kuzma’s relationship and growing up in Flint, Michigan going to the YMCA. In 2018, The Players’ Tribune documented Kuzma’s journey into becoming the basketball player he is today spending nights at the local YMCA.
According to a news release from the YMCA, funds from Kuzma’s donation will be used to build the gymnasium. The center will be named after Kuzma and host equipment for a variety of sports. The new project includes a six-lane lap pool, family splash pad and spa, locker rooms, full-length basketball court and a track. It is expected to break ground in spring 2023 and could open by January 2025.
Kuzma was quoted sharing this about his YMCA experience. "The YMCA was amazing. For me, it was a place where I could be safe and I could just be myself. A lot of times, my mom would be working eight, nine hours a day, and I would have to take the bus sometimes super early in the morning in the summers just to be there, and I wanted to be there... Me being able to get to the Y early and play against the older guys at like 12 when they had their lunch break, and me being able to stay until five to play with my guys, it's helped shape my life, who I am today."
