HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team built a healing garden on Friday for cancer patients at Hazard ARH, as part of a community service initiative.
Head coach Mark Pope and his players and staff participated in the project, which Pope described as an opportunity to contribute to the region.
“We got a chance to come out and do some work, meet some great people, and hopefully leave something — just a little something, just a little bit better,” Pope said.
Hazard ARH CEO Brian Springate praised Pope’s approach to community engagement.
“Mark Pope and his servant leadership is amazing,” Springate said. “His ability to motivate players to do things like give back to the community is a heartwarming thing and I love to see it.”
With summer camp having wrapped up, the team is taking time to focus on team chemistry and providing a helping hand in their community.
Forward Malachi Moreno said the project reflects what their efforts stand for beyond basketball.
“I think when we come into this program, we gotta realize that we represent more than just Kentucky,” Moreno said. “We represent everyone around us, we represent the entire state. What we did today, this is what we do for the people of our state. Anytime they’re in need, we’re always there to support.”
Milan Momcilovic, who transferred to Kentucky from Iowa State on June 1, said the that providing volunteer services for Kentuckians has been impactful, even before his first game as a Wildcat.
“I think it’s just really cool to be out here to help the community,” Momcilovic said. “We’ve done a lot of community service events so far. I think it’s really cool because it’s something I haven’t done a whole lot, so I think it’s cool to just give back to our communities in Kentucky. Even though I don’t know them, it’s really cool.”
Eastern Kentuckians love the Wildcats, and that feeling is reciprocated.
“We love the state of Kentucky, we love every part of it, and we have a special place in our heart for Eastern Kentucky for sure,” Pope said.
The garden is now open for cancer patients to spend time with loved ones outside the walls of the hospital.
Kentucky men’s basketball tips off their season on Tuesday, November 3rd versus Manhattan.
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