The wheelchair basketball community is mourning the loss of Frank Burns, a Hall of Famer, a coach, mentor to so many athletes, and one of the biggest advocates of our sport.
Frank was passionate about the history of the game and making the stories accessible to the public. He dreamed of having a roving museum at All Star Weekend, the Final Four, and the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Dave Kiley shared the following statement on the loss of his beloved friend on the DK3 social media channels:
"It's near impossible to describe my feelings on the loss of my brother Frank Burns. He was my first real coach and led the Casa Colina Condors to a national championship and opened the door to a dynasty. This is small compared to what he meant to me and my family as a friend. He was part of my family and part of my heart.
His heart was so huge for others it just could not handle the load.
I am committed to the Hall of Fame and the Frank Burns Heritage Fund to continue his legacy and passion to document our history and honor our past.
My family and DK3 has led with a gift of $5,000 and I call on you to help me and support the fund in any manner you can. History is the path to the future and Frank knew this.
“My Brother Frank your legend will continue on this earth and we will meet above the rim to talk it out as we lead the fast break that only heaven can provide”.
Until we meet again,
The ‘King’… as you always called me"
DK3 is proud to team up with NWBA to continue the legacy of Frank Burns, and support his mission to "capture, preserve, and display wheelchair basketball and NWBA history."
If someone you love has benefited from adaptive sports or the game of wheelchair basketball
If you're passionate about helping build awareness so future athletes with disabilities can find out about wheelchair basketball
If you've had a mentor like Frank Burns who believes in you and your potential
If you believe people can benefit from learning the history of the NWBA and how it has impacted the lives of many
...then, we hope you will consider contributing to the Frank T. Burns Heritage Fund.*
*All contributions are tax-deductible.