Dirk Nowitzki places a special emphasis on helping kids who are sick or terminally ill. Not only does he visit hospitals, but he also spends half an hour with each child who wishes to see him. In 2001 he started the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which helps "provide education, health and well being for children around the world." He has worked with the Make-a-Wish foundationto fulfill the wishes of sick children. In addition, Dirk is a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.

Every season, Nowitzki visits with students in the Dallas Independent School District who are studying German, encouraging them to keep up their efforts. Nowitzki donates $100 for each three-pointer he makes to Jonathan’s Place, an emergency shelter in Dallas. In 2004 and 2008, Nowitzki received the NBA Community Assist Award. Additionally in 2008, he received the Chris Greicius Award from the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Nowitzki’s personalized attention to children and supporters makes him a fan favorite. Nowitzki understands that he can utilize his role as a professional athlete to give back to the community and to the ones who support him.

About Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki was born in 1978 in Würzburg, Germany. In 1998, Nowitzki was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. An eight-time All Star, he is regarded as one of the most successful players in the history of the franchise. In 2002, he led the German national team to a bronze medal in the FIBA World Championships. Nowitzki has led the Mavericks to multiple playoff appearances, including a Finals appearance in 2006 against the Miami Heat. In 2007, Nowitzki was voted the Most Valuable Player of the NBA.