BREAKING: Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg has launched the Hope Rising Foundation to make a powerful impact in the lives of children with disabilities. The initiative will offer free healthcare, essential support, and unwavering care to kids across Newport, Maine. Truly a heartwarming act from a real-life hero.

BREAKING: Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg has launched the Hope Rising Foundation to make a powerful impact in the lives of children with disabilities. The initiative will offer free healthcare, essential support, and unwavering care to kids across Newport, Maine. Truly a heartwarming act from a real-life hero.

**BREAKING: Duke Star Cooper Flagg Launches ‘Hope Rising Foundation’ to Support Children with Disabilities in Newport, Maine**

 

*June 23, 2025 – Newport, ME*

 

In an inspiring display of compassion and leadership beyond the basketball court, **Duke Blue Devils sensation Cooper Flagg** has officially launched the **Hope Rising Foundation**, a charitable initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of children with disabilities in his hometown of **Newport, Maine**.

 

The foundation aims to provide **free healthcare services, essential daily support, and consistent emotional care** to children with physical and developmental challenges — a mission Flagg says is “deeply personal” and “long overdue.”

 

### “This Is Bigger Than Basketball”

 

Speaking at a packed press event in Newport, Flagg, 18, shared what led him to start the foundation:

 

> “I’ve been given so much through basketball — opportunities, platforms, love from the community. Now it’s my turn to give something that truly lasts. Hope Rising isn’t about me. It’s about every kid who’s ever felt overlooked, every family who’s struggled to get proper care for their child. We see you, and we’re here to help.”

 

The announcement was met with standing ovations from attendees, including local families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who praised Flagg for stepping up in a way that few athletes — let alone college freshmen — ever do.

 

### A Mission Rooted in Care and Action

 

The **Hope Rising Foundation** will begin operations this summer, with a three-pronged mission:

 

1. **Healthcare Access**: Partnering with local clinics to provide children with disabilities access to regular medical checkups, therapies, and mobility resources — all at no cost.

 

2. **Family Support Programs**: Offering respite care, transportation aid, and educational workshops to assist parents and guardians navigating the unique challenges of caregiving.

 

3. **Community Inclusion Events**: Hosting inclusive sports camps, mentorship programs, and seasonal events that foster joy, confidence, and friendship among children of all abilities.

 

Flagg emphasized that these initiatives are just the beginning. “This isn’t a side project. It’s a lifelong commitment.”

 

### From Top Recruit to Real-Life Hero

 

Flagg, widely considered one of the top prospects in college basketball and a likely No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has consistently drawn praise for his maturity and character. Still, this move took many by surprise — especially coming from a player who is just beginning his collegiate career at Duke.

 

Coach Jon Scheyer commented on Flagg’s announcement, saying,

 

> “Cooper has always shown leadership, heart, and a fierce love for others. What he’s doing with Hope Rising is the ultimate example of using your platform the right way. We couldn’t be prouder.”

 

### Newport, Maine Beams With Pride

 

In his small hometown of Newport, where Flagg’s journey first began, the mood is celebratory. “We knew he’d do great things with basketball,” said local resident Marie Thompson, whose son is wheelchair-bound. “But this? This is life-changing for so many families like ours. Cooper didn’t forget us. He came back for us.”

 

### Looking Ahead

 

The Hope Rising Foundation will open its first dedicated resource center by fall 2025, with long-term goals to expand services statewide and eventually nationwide. Flagg is also working with Duke’s philanthropic department to ensure student-athletes can join and volunteer during the offseason.

 

In a world where many stars shine only on the court, **Cooper Flagg is lighting the way for something far greater** — a legacy not just built on points and titles, but on **hope, healing, and humanity**.

 

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*Written by ChatGPT Sports & Community Desk | For updates on the Hope Rising Foundation, follow officia

l channels or visit \[hoperisingfoundation.org]*