VLADE DIVAC: ITS OFFICIAL
“My career has shown that an ordinary man from an ordinary town can achieve his dreams,” he said. Big, beautiful, scruffy Serbian basketball beast Vlade Divac, the legend himself, officially retired this weekend with a parting wish that his career would be an inspiration to others. Divac won two FIBA World Championship crowns, three European Championship titles, and numerous winks from my libido. He said goodbye in his home town of Prijepolje, where Chris Webber, Scot Pollard, Glen Rice and others attended a farewell bash that included street ball tournaments and a concert in Belgrade in aid of Divac’s charitable foundation.

“He was not just a great basketball player,” said Webber, who played alongside Divac at Sacramento. “He is the best human being I’ve ever met - the guy with the biggest heart.” (Fiba.com) And this girl is gonna miss her Vlade something fierce…

YAO SKIPS CAMP FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Another one of our basketball babes-er-players, Yao Ming, will miss the start of NBA training camp because he’s going to China where he’ll help open the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai this October. “As a Global Ambassador of Special Olympics, I was requested to participate and play a role in the opening ceremony of 2007 Special Olympics World Games in my hometown of Shanghai. I feel it is an obligation that I must meet,” said Yao. “I realize that missing the first few days of camp will put me behind my team-mates in learning our new coach’s system, but I will work very hard to make sure that I do not hurt our team’s progress as we prepare for the start of the new season.”

Not only is Yao ditching camp for the kids, but he’s also gonna be slapped with a nasty fine for missing practice. Hot points earned by Yao for slapping back the NBA, paying the fine and putting the Special Olympics first. This is a man we should all look up to as having his priorities straight. (Fiba.com)

STEVE NASH
Not too long ago I mentioned an event called the Gulu Walk. The only reason I knew of this event was due to Stave Nash. Basically, at any given time or day, you’re most likely to find the Suns hottie giving back something to those in need. He’s already committed to participating in the Gulu Walk on October 20th. “I am walking for the children of northern Uganda. As soon as I heard about the night commuters, I knew I wanted to help. Margaret Mead is quoted as saying ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world’. GuluWalk is a small, thoughtful, committed Canadian organization working to affect change in Uganda, but also in the way we look at children everywhere. These kids are far away, but they are no less children, and their lives are being ruined by a silent war. Children all over the world deserve the attention and voice of everyone anywhere in a position to do anything. Join GuluWalk. Be one more reason for hope.” I, for one, will be participating in the walk. Over 80 cities are participating this year in order to support the abandoned children of northern Uganda. If you check out the website, I don’t see how you could not be moved to the point of at least making a donation.

Prior to Nash hitting the pavement, he’ll be hosting the inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast on October 12th in Scottsdale Arizona. Yummy. (See Athlebrity calendar events page for more info). The Steve Nash Celebrity Roast will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation, where the Foundation’s primary initiative is focused on improving outcomes for children through high-quality early development and education programs. The Roast will include dinner, entertainment, celebrity guests, an auction, a concert by John Legend, and of course a roast by friends, teammates and celebrities, all to assist our most valuable players: kids. Nash began the Steve Nash Foundation to focus on a cause close to his heart, children. Its mission reflects Steve’s genuine compassion for kids and his dedication to giving back to the community. Many times I’m often asked how I get into these events. Its simple, buy a ticket! What could be better than mingling with a bunch of Nash’s supporters while helping the kids? (Stevenash.org)

CHELSEA BLUES

Just a few words, non-charity related, about the Chelsea-Man-U match yesterday, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Reds. First, stepping into Mourinho’s shoes, no class Avram Frankenstein was on the sidelines in a warm-up suit. I don’t think Jose Mourinho ever showed up to a match in anything less than a fine Italian suit. And referee Mike Dean- don’t get me started. This guy was obviously pro-Man-U, letting Rooney showcase his thug-skills and red-carding Chelsea’s Mikel outta the game for an imaginary two-footed contact with Man-U’s Evra. Playing without my injured Drogba, or sexy Lampard, I suspect the boys in blue are headed down a lonely road. Rumors of Drogba wanting out are rampant. Rumors of Lampard wanting out are rampant. And the Chelsea fans are livid. For a great review of the Chelsea’s first Mourinho-less match, read the Telegraph.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.