WASHINGTON – Tim Duncan received countless honors and awards during his playing days, however earlier this week, the Spurs great received praise and recognition that extends beyond the court.
Duncan was honored by the United States House of Representatives on Tuesday not only for his recent induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, but his humanitarian efforts to help rebuild and restore the United States Virgin Islands after it was decimated by two major hurricanes in September.
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Duncan, a native of St. Croix, started the 21 US Virgin Island Relief Fund in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
The fund has raised millions of dollars and his foundation spearheaded efforts to bring food, water, medical supplies and clothing to people on the islands.
The normally reserve Duncan has flown to the islands multiple times to deliver supplies and made several appearances on television and radio to get the word out about relief efforts.
He has shared his own story of his family overcoming Hurricane Hugo, the category five hurricane that ravaged his home when he was growing up.
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, the current delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands, spoke on Duncan’s behalf in the house chambers.
“Tim exemplifies the idea of making a way out of no way,” Plaskett said. “Hurricane Hugo did not defeat him, just as Hurricanes Maria and Irma will not defeat the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The full video of Duncan being recognized was posted on Plaskett’s YouTube page. You can see it below.