Clark’s foundation donating $22,000 to Iowa charities

IOWA CITY (AP) — Basketball star Caitlin Clark has awarded $22,000 grants through her foundation to four Iowa charities that she said inspired her during her time at the University of Iowa.

The recipients announced Wednesday are the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Coralville Community Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor and Special Olympics Iowa-East Central.

“One of my favorite things about Iowa City is the way the community is connected and how everyone supports each other,” Clark said. “It is something I felt during my time here and is important to me that I stay connected with. I am proud to be a part of each of these organization’s efforts and the meaningful impact they provide for the people of Iowa.”

Clark previously has provided product donations and participated in events and fundraising efforts for the four organizations, and she has said visiting the children’s hospital was one of her favorite activities when she was at Iowa.

“The foundation is thrilled to support these organizations given their alignment with our mission statement and the three core pillars of uplifting youth through education, nutrition, and sports,” Caitlin Clark Foundation president Mary Coffin said. “Caitlin is an example for all of us on the impact one interaction can have and the legacy of uplifting others.”

The grants were announced ahead of Clark’s No. 22 jersey retirement during Iowa’s game against No. 4 Southern California on Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Caitlin Clark declines invite to a 3-point shootout at NBA All-Star weekend

Also on Wednesday, Clark announced she will wait until Indianapolis hosts the WNBA All-Star weekend in July to enter her first 3-point contest as a pro.

The Fever star declined an invitation to participate in a special challenge during NBA All-Star weekend next month, her representatives at Excel Sports confirmed.

There had been discussions for Clark to participate in a contest similar to the one that pitted Stephen Curry against Sabrina Ionescu in a 3-point shootout during last season’s NBA All-Star weekend. Curry beat the New York Liberty star. It was one of the highlights of the weekend.

There have been discussions around expanding that shootout this year when the NBA All-Star Game takes place in the Bay Area in two weeks.

Ionescu told The Associated Press earlier this month she planned to be at the All-Star festivities, but declined to elaborate whether she would be involved in any on-court activities.

Sports Business Journal was the first to report Clark’s decision.