D.O.N. Issue #3 Courts for Children’s Village

“Being able to give back to our youth is truly important for me,” Donovan Mitchell told the students, families, and guests gathered on July 9, 2021, for the opening ceremony of the D.O.N. Issue #3 basketball courts at Children’s Village, in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

The three beautifully painted and fully refurbished courts with their bright colors and bold designs reflect the ethos of Donovan’s signature shoe: Determination Over Negativity. The basketball courts—made possible by Donovan and his foundation SPIDACARES, in collaboration with Adidas, Children’s Village, and Project Backboard—offer more than just a wonderful place to practice basketball. They are a recognition of the important work of those who strive to help young people, as well as a source of inspiration. 

Looking out at the students in the audience, Donovan said, “Don’t let anyone put limits on what you can do. People like to use the word impossible. It’s a small chance, but that’s just because it hasn’t been done before. It’s impossible until you end up doing it. You may run into a wall, there’s always a way around it. There’s always a way to push through. Believe in yourself and continue to understand that you are the future.” 

“The Mitchell family has shown incredible kindness and commitment to positively impacting families and communities through education and athletics,” said Jamila Baucom, vice president for advancement at Children’s Village. 

In recognition of Donovan’s late grandmother, who worked at Children’s Village for many years, Jamila presented Donovan’s mother Nicole with a special plaque. “It all started with my mom working here,” said Nicole. “What you gain here, you can take on to your larger life.”

Donovan recalls what it meant to him as a kid when athletes gave back. He wants to be there for others—to help today’s youth envision what is possible. Taking time to play basketball with the students from Children’s Village—and to sign each player’s D.O.N. Issue #3 Adidas shoes—Donovan said, “I was blessed enough to make it to the NBA but at the end of the day I play basketball for 48 minutes and after that I’m the same Donovan that grew up right down the road from here. This is what it’s about for me.”