NBA All-Star Devin Booker has been announced as the new Special Olympics Global Ambassador. As a Global Ambassador, Booker will promote inclusion through sport, continue to participate in events with Special Olympics Arizona and beyond.
Booker joins Andre Drummond, Damian Lillard, Elena Delle Donne, Ricky Rubio, Dikembe Mutombo, Sam Perkins, and Yao Ming as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
“I am really excited about it,” Booker told ESPN during a phone interview. “I have always dibbled and dabbled in partnering with them. Being raised with my sister and the challenges she faces every day have always driven me.”
Booker’s 17-year-old sister, Mya, has a chromosomal abnormality called microdeletion syndrome, which leads to mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Through their relationship, Booker became more aware to the challenges that people with disabilities have and has also worked with Special Olympics organizers to bring members to two draft lotteries.
Booker’s work as an ambassador will continue to have him alongside Special Olympics in Arizona, will have conversations with Special Olympics athletes on social media and participation with international Special Olympics events.
Booker also recently pledged to raise money for those impacted by COVID-19 through live streaming on Twitch. The Suns’ swingman donated $100,000 to tip off the campaign, which was matched by the team. The funds will benefit non-profits like the Arizona Food Bank Network, the Foundation for Senior Living, and Banner Health Foundation.
Today at 3 pm ET, Booker will be on #NBATogetherLive with Maria Taylor to talk about his new Special Olympics Global Ambassador role, his relationship with his sister, Mya and how he’s staying busy during the NBA hiatus.
