The A10tion Foundation Center is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 26, to celebrate its grand opening. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. The youth activities will begin at noon and end at 5:00 p.m.
Natalie White founded the A10tion Foundation Center, a sports and education center for youth, adults, and families. Residents of Fort Valley, Georgia, and out-of-state visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facility during its grand opening.
The youth will also have a chance to explore the center and participate in educational activities focusing on sports, health and wellness, and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
The A10tion Foundation Center will be a “safe place for student-athletes to learn, grow, and get better,” said Natalie White, Founder and CEO of Natalie White Basketball. The center is equipped with a full-length basketball court, classrooms with high-speed internet, a concessions area, and other amenities to accommodate students and families.
“The city of Fort Valley has less than 10,000 people, and my goal is to provide another option for our youth,” White said. Sports and education are two important factors in White’s life. The number ten in “A10tion” is significant to White because it was her college jersey number. She played point guard on the women’s basketball team at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
White often credits her community, mentors, and childhood sports programs for encouraging her physical, mental, and social growth and development. Having a well-rounded upbringing is a privilege that White doesn’t take for granted.
“Growing up, I was blessed to be a part of a program called NYSP, and that program was on the campus of Fort Valley State University,” White said. “The program served as an introduction to all sports and programs to help youth understand their options for career choices, the importance of playing sports, and learning about scholarship options for colleges and universities.”
White is well-accomplished from working with two high-achieving WNBA programs, the Atlanta Dream and the Los Angles Sparks, where she currently serves as the Vice President, to working with Nike, a world-renowned sportswear company.
“Between the experiences I’ve had, the connections I have made over the years, and the different places that I lived and worked, I am bringing all these things to Fort Valley at the A10tion Foundation Center,” White said.
From the sponsors, community members, and her devoted branding and marketing team, NobleSol Art Group, White is thankful for everyone who has played a part in helping to develop the A10tion Foundation Center.
The five-star branding and marketing agency, NobleSol Art Group, has spearheaded White’s implementation and execution of her content and marketing ideas at an extremely high level.
“Working with NobleSol Art Group has been the best business decision I made for the A10tion Foundation Center brand, the Natalie White Basketball brand, and my personal Natalie White brand. Working with NobleSol Art Group has been a blessing,” White said about NobleSol Art Group, which works with many paramount companies to small businesses.
“Okeeba Jubalo and Johnny Clarkson have been with me every step of the way, from the knowledge, attention to detail, support, and expertise to their care and concern. I don’t think the A10tion Foundation Center will be where it is today without NobleSol Art Group. They are my extended family,” White said. “They believe in me, we have mutual trust, and we motivate each other. I never heard the words, ‘We can’t do this,’ it's always ‘Let’s figure out a way to get it done.’”
The A10tion Foundation Center has undergone major reconstruction for the past two years and has continued to keep its supporters updated on its website and social media pages about the renovations. For this reason, Fort Valley residents are highly anticipating the A10tion Foundation Center’s grand opening on August 26.
“It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Natalie during this process. Having an idea is one thing, but being able to make it materialize is another,” Okeeba Jubalo said. “This is the beginning of an amazing transformation for Fort Valley, Georgia. She is an example of what is possible with the right vision and team. It is time to go now! Fort Valley Forward!”
Many have shown their support online regarding White giving back to the families and youth in her hometown in a monumental way. The support from White’s community continues to keep her focused on the bottom-line goal: uplifting and empowering the youth in Fort Valley and surrounding areas.
“It’s important for the youth and community to know where I grew up and how serious I am about assisting them with their education and sports needs,” White said. “I am a role model, and when the youth see someone like them giving back and intentionally pouring into their lives and providing resources, they know that I care.”
Through White’s brand, Natalie White Basketball, she has had the opportunity to serve thousands of kids nationwide with their academics, athletics and expanding their mindset.
“Growing up in a small town is not a disadvantage. Our kids need to understand that and begin to think bigger, believe in their dreams, and have people supporting them and guiding them through the process of professional development, their career choices, and overall advancement,” White said. “Fort Valley has developed some outstanding individuals, and my goal is to continue to help that percentage grow.”
