Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton donates $10K to Junior Achievement Bahamas program

Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic
·1 min read
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Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) smiles after making a half-court shot before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco on March 13, 2023.
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) smiles after making a half-court shot before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco on March 13, 2023.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton donated $10,000 to Junior Achievement Bahamas for 2023-24 and will partner with the program “on initiatives throughout the fall, supporting students, schools and teachers" in the Bahamas.

“I'm excited to be home and supporting Junior Achievements Bahamas," said Ayton in a news release Tuesday. "I know the spirit and ability of our community and how great opportunities are created through access to educational and fundamental resources. I was a fortunate recipient of that access, and I'm thankful to be able to give back and make an impact."

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Ayton will turn 25 years old Sunday.

Deandre Ayton donated $10,000 to Junior Achievement Bahamas.
Deandre Ayton donated $10,000 to Junior Achievement Bahamas.

Ayton will fund several Junior Achievement Bahamas programs – Elementary Program, 4 Juniors Program, Aspire Program, Company Program and Stem Summit. The funding will cover admission fees and meals for more than 100 kids and assist in adding more volunteers.

The 6-10 center will also fund “school-based initiatives” that address the essential needs of the schools, students and staff involved with Junior Achievement Bahamas.

“We're grateful for Mr. Ayton's investment in Junior Achievement towards our success in developing and achieving a high-quality economic, educational program for the future leaders of the Bahamas," said Tammy Lecky, executive director, Junior Achievement Bahamas, in a news release. "His contribution directly supports our mission to promote economic literacy and understanding of business and competitive free enterprise among young Bahamians.”

Born in Nassau Bahamas, Deandre Ayton takes photo with kids from the Junior Achievement Bahamas program.
Born in Nassau Bahamas, Deandre Ayton takes photo with kids from the Junior Achievement Bahamas program.

Since 1979, Junior Achievements Bahamas has served over 60,000 students in the Bahamas as Ayton's older brother, Andrew, participated in the program.

Ayton also announced Tuesday the release of his new Puma sneakers, Rise Nitro PE, on Instagram.

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Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns big Deandre Ayton donates $10K to Junior Achievement Bahamas

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