NEW YORK – Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried is the recipient of the “Kia Community Assist Award” for February in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work, the NBA announced today.

Kia and the NBA are honoring Faried in part for his efforts to champion equality and bring awareness to the importance of respect and inclusion. Faried recently became a member of Athlete Ally, an organization that works to encourage acceptance of others and end homophobia in sports. In a show of support for equal rights, he attended the launch party for One Colorado to celebrate the passing of Senate Bill 11, The Colorado Civil Union Act. Faried also supported the message of inclusion by participating as an honorary coach at the 2013 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball Game during NBA All-Star in Houston. In addition, he is scheduled to participate in an upcoming Denver Nuggets Special Olympics clinic which will bring 125 athletes from Special Olympics Colorado to the Pepsi Center for a basketball clinic.

“It’s an honor to receive this award and to have people in the NBA consider me as an ambassador in the community for the Nuggets,” said Faried. “The things I do around the community and for others outside my family and myself, I don’t do them for accolades and awards. I do them because I enjoy it, and it puts joy and love into my heart.”

The Nuggets forward has been an integral part of the team’s community outreach efforts this season, having purchased a block of season tickets for distribution to children from Special Olympics Colorado, Denver Public Schools and the Denver Rescue Mission as part of the team’s community ticket program.  Faried also joined the giveSPORTS Equipment Drive to provide inspiration and joy for individuals affected by the Colorado wildfires and the tragic shooting at the Aurora movie theater.  As part of the NBA Cares Pediatric Cancer Awareness Campaign, Faried brought smiles to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients and families by treating the group to an unforgettable Team Fit clinic. Faried also donated and personally delivered 44 pairs of sneakers to a local middle school basketball team for use during the upcoming season.  During his visit, he met with the team to discuss the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and education.

 Prior to tonight’s home game against the New York Knicks, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier will be on hand to present Faried with the “Kia Community Assist Award.” Faried will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.”  In addition, Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Faried’s behalf split between the Lupus Colorado and Special Olympics Colorado Projects UNIFY.

Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010.  The league presents the “Kia Community Assist Award” monthly throughout the season as well as a final award at the end of the season to recognize players for their year-round charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

To learn more, please log on to www.nba.com/kiacommunityassist.