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The Ogwumike Sisters, Houston Cougars garner support for Hurricane Harvey Relief

By Erica Ayala

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 19: Chiney Ogwumike
PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 19: Chiney Ogwumike /
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Many athletes and celebrities are using their platform to raise money and send supplies to Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts.  Hurricane Harvey is predicted to be the worst disaster in Texas history. Days after the storm hit Houston, residents are still seeking shelter. Texans will have lost most, if not all, their belongings by the time the streets are clear of storm waters. Here are some athletes and programs leading the charge.

Houston is Home

WNBA players and sisters Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike are proud Houston-natives. Younger sister Chiney is a member of the Connecticut Sun team. She is out for the season with an injury, but remains involved with the Sun and the league as the current WNBPA vice president. Chiney went on ESPN SportsCenter yesterday to give the accounts of her parents and younger sisters. Her family in the Houston area is safe, but stranded due to the flooding.

Chiney and Sun vice president Amber Cox both have connections to Houston.  Cox worked with the professional soccer teams the Dynamo of the MLS and the Dash of the NWSL, before coming to Connecticut. Towards the end of the segment, Chiney announced the Sun will donate one dollar for every ticket sold to their first WNBA Playoff game. With their win over Washington last night, the Sun will play at home on Sunday, September 10.

Mohegan Sun Arena has a capacity of 10,000. Additionally, the Chiney and the Sun have challenged all NBA and WNBA teams to match their donation for what is now the #HarveyHoopsChallenge. With their win over Washington last night, the Sun will play at home on Sunday, September 12. The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever have both committed $20,000 to Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts.

Eldest sister Nneka Ogwumike has also posted a social media challenge via Uninterrrupted to get individual athletes involved. The reigning WNBA MVP got things started with a $1,000 donation to youcaring.com. She challenged four other athletes to make a donation as well using the hashtag #HarveyUNited.

To Houston with love

As shelters fill and churches begin to open their doors, the displaced people of Texas will need food and clothing in addition to shelter. The University of Houston women’s and men’s basketball teams put out a call to the sports world, asking teams at all levels to donate shirts, shoes and any other gear they can spare.

The outpouring of support has been incredible. Russ Steinberg of The Summitt put together a preliminary tally of programs sending gear to Houston. Over 133 Division I programs and 112 middle school and high schools have stepped up – to name a few.  Players from the University of Houston will work with the American Red Cross to administer the supplies collected.

Twelve years after Hurricane Katrina, Houston now faces the worst disaster known to Texas. At a time when many wish athletes would stick to sports, we applaud those athletes and programs that dare to step outside the lines anyway.

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