NBA legend Michael Jordan opened a medical clinic to serve the disadvantaged in his native North Carolina.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the 6-time NBA champion teared up on Thursday as he unveiled the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic which has already treated 300 patients.
During his speech the Charlotte Hornets owner fought back tears as he dedicated the clinic to the community that supported him.
“I’ve gone off and made my life in Illinois and other places, but I know where it all begins. And I don’t need my mother to constantly remind me about that,” Jordan said as the crowd laughed.
“I can only give in gratitude for what I can never repay. I stand here before you as a proud parent, son, obviously a member of this community. My mother, my brothers, my daughter, my grandson, we all represent the name ‘Michael Jordan,'” the NBA Hall-of-Famer said. “As you can see, it’s a very emotional thing for me. To be able to give back to a community that’s supported me over the years.”
The clinic was funded by a $7 million philanthropic donation from Jordan.
Jordan’s goal is to bring more medical clinics to disadvantaged neighborhoods in North Carolina.
Jordan, 56, and his second wife, Yvette Prieto share twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel.
He also has three grown children, sons Jeffrey and Marcus, and a daughter, Jasmine, by his first wife, Juanita Vanoy.
