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On 27 June, NBA Draft prospects, including Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, taught and demonstrated shooting, passing and dribbling techniques to 100 Special Olympics athletes at John Jay College in New York City. Each year, the National Basketball Association conducts a community event with their top draft prospects as part of NBA Cares' continuing mission of giving back to the community. This year the NBA has selected Special Olympics as their partner.
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Special Olympics New York City athletes Jonathan Amadeo and Phyllis Dorohow were among the 100 Special Olympics athletes who took part in a NBA Cares Clinic with NBA Draft prospects like Yi Jianlian, from China. |
"We are delighted that two outstanding organizations -- NBA Cares and Special Olympics -- are collaborating to create a terrific learning experience for all involved," said New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba. "It is very gratifying to know that the NBA and its future stars are taking the time to make a difference in New York City and in the lives of our Special Olympics athletes. Each of the Special Olympics athletes and NBA draft prospects will inspire one another to reach new heights both on and off the court."
"Just putting a smile on their faces makes me happy,” said Durant, who was chosen second in the NBA Draft on 28 June by the Seattle Supersonics. “Having a little kid say we made his day, that's what we're here for."
"The partnership created by Special Olympics and NBA Cares will hopefully set an example for all sports entities and industry leaders by promoting full participation by all," said New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Matthew Sapolin. "The impact that the professional athletes will have on the Special Olympics athletes, coupled with the tremendous dedication to competition embodied by both groups, will be felt by all in attendance."
The fact that the clinic took place in New York was especially appropriate, as Special Olympics has chosen New York as the pilot city for its new Urban Strategy to attract more athletes in urban areas. Among the Special Olympics athletes participating in the clinic were New York area athletes who will be part of Team USA at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, this October.
"It's very exciting that New York City has been chosen as the first city to implement Special Olympics' expansion plan for major cities across the globe," said Michelle LeMay Santiago, Regional Director, Special Olympics - NYC. "The success in our city will serve as a model for others. Our goal is to double the number of athletes in New York City from 20,000 to 40,000 in five years. To accommodate these numbers, we are increasing the number of competitions we offer by recruiting more coaches, building partnerships and raising funds to pay for equipment, buses, uniforms and facilities."
NBA Draft prospects who participated in the clinic included Corey Brewer (Florida), Mike Conley, Jr. (Ohio State), Kevin Durant (Texas), Jeff Green (Georgetown), Spencer Hawes (Washington), Al Horford (Florida), Yi Jianlian (China), Acie Law (Texas A&M), Joakim Noah (Florida), Greg Oden (Ohio State), Rodney Stuckey (Eastern Washington), Al Thornton (Florida State), Brandan Wright (North Carolina), Julian Wright (Kansas) and Nick Young (USC).
Special Olympics' relationship with the NBA began more than 30 years ago when the league assisted Special Olympics in introducing basketball as a new sport to the movement. NBA Cares has had continuous involvement with Special Olympics through sponsorship of basketball tournaments, the creation of public service announcements with NBA players and player appearances at major Special Olympics events. The NBA's Basketball without Borders program has conducted clinics for Special Olympics Programs in China, Puerto Rico, Russia, France, Italy and Spain.
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