Montreal NBA star Luguentz Dort launches non-profit to support youth
Posted August 17, 2022 5:10 pm.
Last Updated August 20, 2022 6:43 pm.
Montreal NBA star Luguentz Dort has announced that he is launching a new non-profit organization to support underserved youth.
The inaugural event for Fondation Maizon Dort coincided with the second annual “Lu the Beast Camp” on Aug. 20.
“It was hard to do school and sport at the same time,” said Dort about his journey to the NBA. “(Maizon Dort is) really to give a better path and get my stories to the kids.”
Dort at his second annual “Lu the Beast Camp” on Aug. 20, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
The non-profit will be located in Montreal, Oklahoma City – where Dort plays for the Thunder – and central Arizona.
These communities have made him the player and person he is today.
The goal of the foundation, to promote health and wellness for youth involved in the organization, as well as provide them with opportunities to participate in team sports like basketball and soccer.
“To help them with their journey and probably make it a little easier for them,” said Nelson Ossé of the Maizon Dort Foundation. “He wanted to do this since he got into the NBA.”
“Lu the Beast Camp” participants on Aug. 20, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
“I love basketball because it’s a fun sport,” said one boy named Zachary at the “Lu the Beast Camp.”
“You get to jump, and you get to run, and you get to dribble,” added another.
The about 150 kids present at the event were visibly filled with joy, enthusiasm, and love for the sport.
(Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
“With the platform I have now, I want to do as much as I can to give back and make sure kids and families from underserved communities are afforded equal opportunities and support to go after their dreams,” said Dort in a statement.
“Not only did basketball and soccer allow me to be healthy and active as a child. These team sports also kept me in a safe environment and on the right path to success. I learned principles such as hard work and teamwork that carry over to many aspects of my life today.”
IN PHOTOS: Montreal NBA star launches non-profit
Passionate about giving back – the love is reciprocated by his friends, family, and community.
“He loves giving back to others,” said We line Mortell, Dort’s mother. “This is why I’m very proud of him.”
“I’ve been watching Luguentz grow since he was 12 years old,” added Ossé. “So seeing the growth from a teenager to a young man, is just amazing.”
(Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
Dort’s advice to those who look up to him: to put school first.
And his secret to scoring…
“Always look at the rim,” said Dort. “Nothing else! Just the rim.”
“He was from where I am,” said Zachary. “He makes me know that since he can make it to the NBA, I have a chance to make it.”
Lu the Beast Camp poster. (Photo Credit: La Fondation Maizon Dort)
