LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal is helping Las Vegas valley students get back in the game amid the pandemic.
His foundation is teaming up with Icy Hot to give grants to Desert Pines, Bonanza and Rancho High schools' sports programs.
"I've been living in Las Vegas for 15, 20 years now. I have restaurants on the Strip. I love the people of Las Vegas. So, I want to do whatever we can do to help them have fun, play sports and stay on track. I am willing to do that every time," O'Neal said.
The money from the grants will be used for PPE, equipment and travel expenses.
Rancho High School's football coach says the money couldn't have come at a better time.
"Our schools already have financial challenges so the $20,000 goes a long way for us. We tell them all the time you gotta be grateful for the people around you, you didn't get here by yourself so any kind of help people can give us we will take it," says Leon Evans, Rancho High School football coach.
The school will also get access to expert health care guidance from the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
"I don't like to say I'm doing this, I'm doing that. Then it seems to be all about the show and for me. And it's not all about the show. It's about making people happy. A lot of stuff I would never announce. We're announcing this because it's important," O'Neal said.
