Atlanta Hawks To Play Unity Game Against Cleveland Cavaliers

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Hawks have announced plans to host a unique game experience, celebrating multicultural groups, diverse populations and organizations committed to improving relations among different groups.

The NBA's first-ever Unity Game will be held on on Monday, Oct. 10 as the team takes on the NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Members of the Hawks organization will participate in two major events prior to the Unity Game: an all-staff service day (six service projects within the city of Atlanta) and the 46th Atlanta Pride Festival, the largest event of its kind in the Southeast.

The concept for Unity Day came after Hawks staffers were challenged to think of ways the organization could unite the city and continue the positive and peaceful conversation taking place in Atlanta.

“Our organization has seen firsthand how a sports team, its staff and every member, can positively affect the morale of a city. We have a brand promise to entertain and unite the city of Atlanta and we think our Unity Game is another great step toward keeping that promise,” Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said. “We are thankful that the Cavaliers share similar values of inclusion and diversity and understand the importance sports can play beyond the court.”

Both Hawks and Cavaliers players will take part in specially-produced videos that will air throughout the game explaining what Unity means to them and how the next generation of Atlantans and Clevelanders can positively impact their respective cities.

In a halftime ceremony, National Center for Civil and Human Rights CEO Derreck Kayongo will address the crowd and speak on the topics of unity, inclusion and social harmony. The Hawks will also honor and announce financial donations from the Atlanta Hawks Foundation to the Center and other deserving organizations that are embodying and delivering messages of respect, tolerance and peace through their work.

On Friday, Oct. 7, about 300 members of Hawks staff and partners from 92.9 The Game and FOX Sports Southeast will give back to the city, volunteering in service projects with the Atlanta Community Food Bank Community Gardens, CHRIS 180, Covenant House,Fountain of Hope, Medshare and United Methodist Children’s Home.

The two rivals - Hawks (108-56; .659) and Cavaliers (110-54; .671) - have posted the top two records in the Eastern Conference over the past two seasons and have met in the postseason each year.

Image: Atlanta Hawks