Kevyn Nojima Award
Kevyn Nojima Courage Award
From the first time Kevyn Nojima picked up a basketball at age 7, he loved the game. Kevyn grew up playing for the Monterey Park Mustangs in the CYC Organization where he honed his talents into a highly skilled point guard with good vision, handles, court sense, tenacity and a keen knowledge for the game.
Kevyn made the roster for the Schuur High School Basketball team where he performed with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding floor-leadership. In 1999, he led the Schurr Mustangs to a Co-League Championship, and was awarded First Team All-League honors. During this time, Kevyn also played in the North South Tournament for two years.
In February 2001, a small growth had appeared in his right shoulder, and it was soon diagnosed as a malignant
form of Osteogenic Sarcoma (bone cancer). Despite almost two years of treatment and chemotherapy, Kevyn’s arm and shoulder were amputated. While learning to do simple tasks such as tie his shoes or put toothpaste on his toothbrush with one hand, Kevyn fought long and hard due to his strong will and determination to face his serious condition head on.
In 2003, the day after Thanksgiving, at the young age of 22, nearly three years since he was first diagnosed with his illness, Kevyn’s body was no longer able to match the strength and courage of his heart. It is in his honor that the North South Tournament presents the Kevyn Nojima Courage Award to a North South player who demonstrates leadership, determination, strength of character, courage and a strong will to overcome any obstacle put before him. This award is presented annually to two student athletes; one Senior boy from the North, and one Senior boy from the South. This award determined by the North South Tournament Coordinators and Coaches.
For more information about Kevyn’s life and the Kevyn Nojima Foundation, please visit our website at www.KevynNojimaFoundation.org. In the spirit of Kevyn Nojima’s passion for basketball, his resilient courage and his determination.
LIST OF AWARD WINNERS COMING SOON
