Not many things went right for the 76ers this season, but at least they can say they have good character on their team.
Center Samuel Dalembert was named the 2009-10 recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award because of his work in his native Haiti. The award, which is presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, recognizes the NBA player or coach who best exhibits "outstanding service and dedication to the community."
Dalembert worked to provide relief for victims of the devastating quake that destroyed his homeland through the Samuel Dalembert Foundation. Besides making a $100,000 donation to UNICEF, Sammy visited Haiti twice and raised awareness for the rebuilding efforts by speaking to local and national media.
Dalembert also helped build a training facility and a school in Haiti called the Dalembert Academy.
“What Samuel has done should be a model for all professional athletes,” president of the PBWA Doug Smith said. “He saw a crying need for help and worked tirelessly to give whatever aid he could while spurring others to act and contribute as well.”
Dalembert joins a star-studded list of players who have won the award, including Dikembe Mutombo, Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, Magic Johnson and Julius Erving.
