At this past weekend’s Nike World Basketball Festival in NYC, Kobe Bryant graciously lent his time to work with inner city kids from the Chain Link Fundamentals program at Rucker Park. Chain Link “seeks to provide top-notch coaching to any and every kid that comes to our program. And most importantly, free of charge in comparison to other skill camps or clinics that may cost hundreds of dollars that inner-city families just don’t have.” Kobe was very hands on with the kids, working one on one with several of them.

Later that day, the LA Laker and 5-Time NBA World Champion made a special appearance at Niketown NYC, dropping words of wisdom on the effervescent crowd. Here’s a clip.

It’s not just your accomplishments on the court or field that define you as a great athlete. Giving back should always be a fundamental part of your game. Don’t wait for your AD or coach to ask you to get involved. Identify a worthy charitable organization or foundation and reach out. Start giving back today.