Hines Ward Named Steelers Man of the Year

 

 

PITTSBURGH — Hines Ward is not only an important part of the Steelers success on the field, but he is also a strong member of the team’s involvement in the community. For his efforts, Ward has been named the Steelers 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work with his foundation and his commitment to the Pittsburgh community.

 

In 2006, after traveling to Korea where he was born, Ward established the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation to assist bi-racial kids there who face discrimination because they live in a country that is not accepting of their backgrounds. Ward himself is biracial, the son of a Korean mother and African-American father, and understands the discrimination that similar kids face in Korea. He started the foundation as a tribute to his mother, Kim Young-He, who raised him as a single parent, by donating $1 million of his own and raising another $1.5 million through corporate contributions. It is independently operated from Pearl S. Buck International, a non-profit organization assisting biracial children.

 

Additionally, Ward hosts the annual Hoge/Starks/Ward golf outing to benefit the Caring Foundation and Caring Team, with teammate Max Starks and former Steelers running back Merril Hoge. Proceeds benefit western Pennsylvania families by providing free healthcare benefits for children and adults and free grief support services for children, adolescents and their families who are struggling with the death of a loved one.

 

For the past two years, Ward has actively participated in the NFL’s “Take a Player to School” program. He meets the lucky Pittsburgh-area winner at his or her home and rides to school with the child. While at school, Ward interacts with all the children, and is a huge hit with both students and faculty.

 

Ward frequently visits with Make-a-Wish kids at the Steelers’ facility, often giving them a personalized item to brighten their day. He has a special understanding of the difference he can make in a child’s life, especially those going through tough times.

 

Ward will be one of 32 NFL team Man of the Year winners who qualifies for the league’s national 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The overall winner will be announced during Super Bowl week in Glendale, Ariz.