NBA legend Michael Jordan is celebrating his 60th birthday this week by making an incredible $10million (£8.3m) donation to Make-A-Wish.
It is the largest donation ever received from an individual in the organisation's 43-year history. Jordan's hope is that his decision to donate to Make-A-Wish to celebrate his birthday - which is on February 17 - will inspire others to help fulfil the wishes of the children still waiting for their wishes to come true.
Jordan, the owner of the 16-43 Charlotte Hornets, began supporting Make-A-Wish in 1989. The 59-year-old has granted hundreds of wishes to children around the world and remains one of the most requested celebrities for children working with the charity, despite walking away from professional basketball in 2003.
“For the past 34 years, it's been an honour to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” the basketball legend said in a news release. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
Jordan was named Make-A-Wish chief wish ambassador in 2008 for what the organisation referred to as the ‘life-changing impacts he has had on wish kids and their families’.
The Chicago Bulls icon added: “I can't think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”
For years, Jordan has been considered the greatest player in basketball history thanks to his dominant run in the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, including winning all six of his titles in the latter decade. His combination of athleticism, scoring and and coming up big in clutch moments ensured his place in the pantheon of sporting greats.
However, the GOAT - greatest of all-time - debate has been re-ignited after LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. This feat, combined with James’ remarkable longevity at the top of the sport, poses a genuine threat to Jordan’s throne.
Jordan still boasts two more rings and Finals MVP awards than James, as well as an extra MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and nine scoring titles. Jordan dominated on both ends of the court, showcased by the fact he holds the record for the most scoring titles in NBA history (10) and was on the NBA's All-Defensive team nine times during his illustrious career.
