WASHINGTON — It has been 25 years since D.C.'s NBA team rebranded to become the Washington Wizards. To celebrate the milestone, the team partnered with the District's local Coca-Cola bottler and a local nonprofit, Casey Trees, to plant 25 trees, including multiple cherry blossom trees.
Wizards players and alumni cut the ribbon on the new trees at the Royal Courts apartments located in Southeast, D.C. Wednesday afternoon. Play-by-play broadcaster Dave Johnson served as the emcee, as Ward 8 community members were invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The tree planting was commemorated with a Wizards and Cherry Coke branded park bench made of 100% recycled Coca-Cola bottles. Attendees also enjoyed Cherry Coke floats and Wizards giveaways.
In 2022, Casey Trees worked to plant more than 5,000 trees throughout the District. For every $1 spent on trees, from planting to maintenance, there is a $2.23 return on investment, according to the nonprofit.
Trees can also have a positive impact on the environment, from the clean air benefits to helping with storm water absorption. Each year, D.C. trees filter the equivalent of about 500 Olympic-size pools.
The Wizards' 2022-2023 Cherry Blossom campaign is inspired by D.C.'s iconic cherry blossoms that were gifted to the United States in 1912 from Japan. They have been a symbol of peace and solidarity ever since.
The Wizards unveiled their City Edition Cherry Blossom jerseys and court earlier this season, and throughout the season have executed numerous cherry blossom inspired activations and giveaways.