MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (CNS) — Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard joined Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez Saturday in a dedication ceremony for a new basketball court bearing the name of the two-time NBA champion in his hometown.
The Kawhi Leonard Basketball Court at Weston Park was designed by street artist Mr. Brainwash and hand-painted by community volunteers, including city staff, city councilmembers, Kawhi's family and the Moreno Valley Emerging Leaders Council, officials said.
"I'm proud of where I come from," said Kawhi Leonard in a news release. "Moreno Valley is my hometown, and I will always do whatever I can to give back to this community."
At the event, Kawhi met with over a dozen Moreno Valley children, signing basketballs and T-shirts.
The full-sized court features inspirational slogans such as "You are stronger than you think" and "Life is beautiful."
"By giving back to our hometown, Kawhi and I are hoping to lift up Moreno Valley's young residents," said Gutierrez. "My hope is that Kawhi's success will inspire kids across the City to let their dreams soar."
The basketball court was made possible through a collaboration between the city of Moreno Valley, the Leonard Family, New Balance, the NBA 2K Foundation, NRG and Shoe Palace.