The Olympics are in full swing, the US Men’s Basketball is gearing up to inch closer to the 5th consecutive gold but that isn’t stopping Kevin Durant from taking some time off for a cause that matters. The star forward joined Snoop Dogg and Matt Barnes to announce his presence at the Athletes vs Cancer charity event. An event closer to the 2017 champion’s heart.

It was in 2008, a year after Matt Barnes lost his mother to cancer that he founded the event. For years that Barnes has kept up with it, Snoop Dogg has been a regular presence and this edition was no different. Barnes shared a few snaps of the day, including Durant, the rapper, and the others present to contribute. Mind you, with the presence of the names here, specifically Snoop Dogg, this wouldn’t be your usual charity event.

Every year, Athletes vs Cancer creates two teams: Team Matt and Team Snoop. They face off in a friendly football game with a powerful mission. Barnes explained, “A lot of people have been affected by cancer, so a lot of my friends come through [and] some people I don’t even know. We appreciate everybody because it takes everybody to hopefully help find a cure.”

Snoop Dogg’s involvement with the event has evolved over the years. “I was just a participant, as a player, but then I wanted to join in with him to help him because I lost people in my family too the same disease,” Snoop revealed. But that wouldn’t be all. The rapper reveals that Barnes has been a close friend of his and watching Barnes’ loss and the process of bringing the event to life, he knew he had to lend his support. “whatever I can bring to the table and that’s what I do,” he adds.

Matt’s mother, Ann Barnes was his biggest supporter. She had even wished to be buried in Warriors’ jersey – the team she last saw Matt be a part of before she took her final breath. Her family would fulfill the wish and Barnes would take the love a notch forward. Years in, he isn’t the only one fighting for the cause.

Matt Barnes’ charity event gains support from celebrities

Over the years, many celebrities have rallied behind Matt Barnes’s cause. In 2018, former Olympian and USC Trojan, Carol Rodriguez attended the charity game with a heavy heart, saying, “One of my teammates just passed away from cancer.” That same year, the event saw participation from rappers Nelly and Problem, Olympic sprinter Carmelita Jeter, former NBA star Baron Davis, and comedian Redd Grant, all united in their support for cancer awareness.

The Washington Wizards guard John Wall also lent his support, emphasizing the personal significance of the cause. “It’s Athletes vs. Cancer so it’s a great cause to give back to a charity,” Wall noted. “I had my dad pass to cancer so I know how much it means.”

Interestingly, support has come from various other celebrities outside the sports world. Bishop Don Juan, a survivor of prostate cancer, praised the organization for supporting a “very worthy cause” and made sure to attend the event. Actor Omar Gooding, along with his entire family, has also shown consistent support by participating in previous Athletes vs Cancer charity games. The event continues to aim for the heightened awareness, early detection, and preventative screening.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”