Michael Jordan Sheds Tears, Credits Mom at Opening of Medical Clinic for Uninsured Patients in North Carolina

"I can only do this in gratitude," Michael Jordan tearfully says during a speech at the grand launch of a new clinic he established in Charlotte. "This is just the start," he added.

An emotional Michael Jordan spoke at the launch of his new medical clinic, the first of two he intends to open.

THE CLINIC'S GOAL

On Thursday, Jordan took center stage at the grand opening of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, one half of a $7M health care project he funded in partnership with Novant Health.

The 6,800 square foot clinic is located in a lower-income section of the NBA legend’s hometown, Charlotte in order to provide medical access to individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured.

Apart from typical primary and preventive care, patients will also be provided with behavioral health and social support services.

“I can only do this in gratitude. I can never repay what you’ve actually given to me. But this is a start.”

AN EMOTIONAL JORDAN ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE

Speaking at the event, Jordan admitted that the project is “from the heart.”

The money doesn’t matter, the name really doesn’t matter, it’s the commitment that I partnered up with unbelievable partners to see a need within this community.”

The retired basketball star shed tears recognizing the people who took part in the development of the clinic.

“I stand here before you as a proud parent, son, obviously a member of this community. My mother, my brothers, my daughter, my grandson, we all represent the name Michael Jordan,” he said from a podium.

“You see my name, but yet you see a lot of people behind me and the commitment, especially from my mom, about caring for other people and being a part of a community that matters.”

As Michael teared up, he explained why he had a soft spot for the initiative.

“As you can see, it’s a very emotional thing for me. To be able to give back to a community that’s supported me over the years when I was playing the game of basketball to now where I’m a part of this community.”

He continued,

“I think the partnership goes a long way in providing needs to this community here, less than fortunate people,” he added. “The money doesn’t matter, the name really doesn’t matter, it’s the commitment that I partnered up with unbelievable partners to see a need within this community.”

GIVING BACK

“This is just the start,” Michael reminded his audience. “This is just the start of a battle, of being able to touch as many as we can and grow this project.”

A

is set to be opened in the future as Michael informs the crowd while telling them that “the money is not the issue.”

“It’s the commitment to be able to make a difference and make an impact to a community that we look in the future that’s gonna make an impact back to the city of Charlotte.”

Jordan explained why it was important for him to establish the clinic in Charlotte.

“I’ve gone off and made my life in Illinois and other places. But I know where it all begins. And I don’t need my mother to constantly remind me about that,” the former Chicago Bulls player said, eliciting laughter from the crowd."

“I can only do this in gratitude. I can never repay what you’ve actually given to me. But this is a start.”

FROM BASKETBALL TO PHILANTHROPY

Since retiring from basketball, Jordan turned his efforts towards philanthropy. He personally handed out meals to families in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence last year.

Last month, he graced headlines when he made a $1 million donation for the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

Such donation is just loose change for the six-time NBA Champion who, as of two years ago, was named by Forbes as the worlds’ highest-paid athlete of all time. He also makes more money as a retired player than any other active NBA player today, according to Business Insider this month.

Currently, Jordan has an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion.