NBA teams and players like to get involved with their fans and communities, whether it be signing autographs or giving away game-worn items, or even in the highly publicized NBA Cares programs. It’s great to see players and organizations make an effort to truly make a difference in peoples’ lives.
On Tuesday, the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade made a long-time fan’s dreams come true. She goes by Grandma Nelly. This is not just any ordinary fan. When I say long-time, that could very well be an understatement.
Grandma Nelly celebrated her 90th birthday on Tuesday. An incredible feat in itself to reach her 90’s, Grandma Nelly got the best birthday wish/celebration you can ask for at any age: the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with her favorite athlete Dwyane Wade. She truly is what the Heat consider a “Heat Lifer”.
D-Wade posted this collage of images to his Instagram showing the two spending time at the Heat’s training facility.
He had this to say about the experience to meet with his biggest fan: “Today after shootard. .I had the chance to meet this lovely lady. You never know the impact you have on people and meeting her made me realize yet again that my life is bigger than basketball. She presented a challenge to play me one on one for her 90th bday. Thanks to her family, the Miami Heat and TeamWade for making this wish come true. #biggerpurpose #hertearsalmostmademetear”.
The Miami Heat posted to their Instagram that the video of the day’s events would be posted online on their website.
If she has been watching him for his entire career, maybe she has the chance to beat him in the matchup. After all, Wade’s knees might be at the same strength as Grandma Nelly’s.
All jokes aside, Dwyane Wade and the Heat should be applauded for what they’ve done here. This is a day Grandma Nelly and her family will remember for the rest of their lives.