Lifestyle

A Super-Sized Surprise for Clinic Participants at Austin’s IDEA Rundberg

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Tony Maples Photography

 

At a recent basketball clinic on the campus of Austin’s IDEA Rundberg charter school, one person stood head and shoulders above the rest. Literally. Kevin Durant, stretching to 6’9”, surprised clinic participants with his first visit to Austin since winning the NBA finals and being named the 2017 MVP. Durant’s visit was part of BBVA Compass’ Summer of Opportunity program, which operates on a “pay it forward” model. The program strives to spread kindness by helping those in need, with the intention that those who receive aid will continue the run of random acts of kindness.

BBVA Compass Kevin Durant flashes UT sign with students during surprise visit to Austin.

Photo Courtesy of BBVA Compass

This is not the first time the NBA All-Star has visited the Rundberg campus. Last year, construction on the outdoor court, where the clinic was held, first began. The BBVA Compass Foundation set aside $100,000 for the project, with Durant’s own charity foundation’s Build It and They Will Ball program working with the bank to provide the school with a usable basketball area. According to the IDEA Public School’s blog, Durant checked on the court’s progress in September of last year.

“This is a place where the students can live big and bright and build their futures. It’s an honor to be able to give back to Austin in a way that makes a real difference in day-to-day lives,” Durant said. The Summer of Opportunity initiative kicked off in June of this year. Brand representatives such as Durant were called upon to spread awareness of the program and to highlight the bank’s dedication to Austin and other cities it serves.

Kevin Durant surprises students in Austin with BBVA Compass.

Photo Courtesy of BBVA Compass

In a press release from the organization, an emphasis was placed on what the outdoor court represents for the Capital City. “The court is a vivid illustration of both the bank’s dedication to Austin and the power of private industry to step in where other funding sources fall short,” BBVA compass said. “As a charter school, IDEA Rundberg receives approximately 75 percent of its funding from state and federal sources, compared to traditional public schools, and relies on private donations to pay for its facilities.”

More than 36,000 students attend charter schools across Texas, with Austin’s Rundberg campus addressing the academic needs of over 700 students through its Academy and College Prep institutions. “It’s great to come back to IDEA Rundberg today with BBVA Compass and see how this court is being put to such good use,” said Durant.