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Politics & Government

Community Snapshot: Jamal Crawford Court Dedication

Crawford played hoops at Liberty Park in his youth and now plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

Jamal Crawford played on Liberty Park’s basketball court when he was young, working on his skills and learning the game of basketball. Crawford was given a key to the city of Renton by Mayor Denis Law during a dedication ceremony Saturday, where Crawford’s foundation donated $50,000 to improve the basketball courts.

 “Jamal – you have honored Renton – not just with your outstanding abilities to play basketball, but also with your generous spirit,” said Mayor Law. “We are extremely proud of your ties to Renton.”

Crawford showed little emotion during the ceremony but told the crowd “being a great basketball player has always been important to me. Being a great person was more important,” he said.

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During the dedication former teammates, family and friends talked about Crawford and his life’s accomplishments. His sister Lori Brown talked about growing up and the struggles the family faced and how focused Crawford was by always having a basketball in hand. “I would drop him off at Liberty Park at 6 p.m. and told to return at 9 p.m. to pick him up; I would have to wait another hour especially if he was asked to play on another team,” said Brown. “When I picked him up from the airport, in one hand was basketball cards and in the other was a basketball. I guess that was his one personal item and his one carry-on.”

Also attending with Crawford were former Huskies Brandon Roy, Isaiah Thomas and Will Conroy. All three said they support Crawford’s efforts in the community; just as he does with us.

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The courts had a new acrylic surface on the full court and two half courts; painted the courts, including a new “Jamal Crawford Court” logo and a side foundation logo; installed new bleachers, and placed an information plaque about Jamal’s history on the court. The old basketball goals were replaced with new “Goalrilla” goal systems. The foundation has also committed to 10 years of maintenance costs for normal wear and tear for each of the courts, including backboard replacement at five years, surface cleaning and re-surfing.

Crawford says he is committed to partnering with the community on a long-term basis to assit those in need, particularly youth.

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