NBA Player Ronnie Brewer ‘Can’t Imagine’
NBA Player Ronnie Brewer ‘Can’t Imagine’
The Chicago Bulls’ Ronnie Brewer caught our attention last night after blasting his fans via social media: “What’s up fam… check out this new design for my Brew Crew shirts to help support my foundation, what do you think?”, he asked, “Chicago charity event at the UC turned out to be a pretty sweet event so far fans have been great.”
Brewer also can’t imagine what life would be like if he started smoking…the NBA star filmed a PSA late last year that just seems to be making the rounds. Continue reading
Will Ferrell 80’s Night with Bulls-Hornets
Will Ferrell delivered a hilarious starting line-up intro for last nights 80s-themed (Chicago) Bulls- (New Orleans) Hornets game in New Orleans…perhaps one of the best partnerships in the world is Ferrell and anything to do with sports.
After you’re done laughing at Ferrell’s colorful call-outs-which include: ‘Carlos Boozer, he still lives with his mother’ and ‘he’s a Scorpio and a horrible dancer, Joakim Noah’ remember that Ferrell’s charity work is mainly focused on Cancer for College. (http://www.cancerforcollege.org/)
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
*Note: Athlebrities™ is NOT associated with E! Entertainment Television’s on-line ‘Athlebrity Zone’ or ‘Athlebrity Madness’. Their use of my legally protected company name is without my consent and constitutes a direct, well-documented theft of my intellectual property.
Rajon Rondo Launches New Website/Foundation
Rajon Rondo Launches New Website/Foundation
“I firmly believe that it takes just one person to turn a child’s life around.” ~Rondo
During the NBA lockout, players had plenty of free time to do something constructive and one such player gets props from Athlebrities. Boston Celtic, Rajon Rondo. Rondo launched the ‘Assisting Youth Foundation’ to provide children living in low-income areas with safe, reliable resources and hope for the future. Continue reading
Jamie Foxx and Friends Raise $500k for Charity
Jamie Foxx and Friends Raise $500k for Charity
Jamie Foxx held his ‘3 on 3’ Celebrity Basketball event over the weekend at his private residence in Los Angeles to benefit the Jamie Foxx Foundation and the Pacific Lodge Youth Services.
The NBA’s Shawn Marion aka the Matrix tweeted post-event: “All I gotta say is everybody from Denzel W, to Mario Van P, and Tyrese and the list goes on, was at the charity event, J.Foxx raise 500k.”
Now, I can not confirm how much money was raised during Fox’ event, but I do know that the 3 on 3 Charity Hoops Tournament is not something I plan on missing next year.
What I can confirm about the invite-only event is that Jamie Foxx brought together a long list of his celebrity and NBA friends to participate in two 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, one featuring celebrities vs. celebrities and one featuring NBA players vs NBA players with each NBA team also having a celebrity coach.
Cannot confirm but do know that Jordin Sparks was invited to sing the National Anthem. Other celebrities and athletes who were invited include: Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Penny Marshall, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, Matt Barnes, Jalen Rose, Rasual Butler, Lamar Odom, Derrick Rose, Kevin Hart, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Cuttino Mobley and many others.
All proceeds benefited the Jamie Foxx Foundation whose purpose is to facilitate literacy and adoption programs as well as exposure to music, comedy, and the arts for children of all ages and the Pacific Lodge Youth Services which creates a supportive and therapeutic residential environment for adolescent boys (ages 13-18) in the juvenile justice system who are experiencing psychological, emotional and behavioral problems.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
WNBA Star Lisa Leslie Stands For Empowerment
WNBA Star Lisa Leslie Stands For Empowerment
In 2011, Lisa Leslie was voted by fans as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history, and today, she is reaching out to her fan base via a series of videos that aim to help women empower themselves and reach their full potential.
Leslie is a three-time WNBA MVP; four-time Olympic gold medal winner; appeared in 7 WNBA All-Star games and 2 WNBA championships over the course of eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks (she is now a co-owner) and was the first women to dunk in the WNBA. So I kinda think she might know what she’s talking about.
Check out Leslie’s site for a series of videos in which Leslie shares her ‘secrets’ to success and teaches you how to ‘define your edge.’ She’s even giving away WNBA Finals tickets via a contest where fans are asked to tell Leslie ‘What I Stand For.’
- You could win 4 tickets to a 2011 WNBA Finals game with Lisa Leslie just for posting your “What I Stand For” video following this outline. The Contest begins on September 14th, 2011 at 6:00:00 A.M. Pacific Time (PT). The Contest ends on September 30th, 2011 at 11:59:59 P.M. Pacific Time (PT).
HOW TO ENTER: 1. Record a video of yourself sharing what you stand for following the outline taught by Lisa Leslie in her video on the Contest Website. Example: “Dear Lisa Leslie, My name is Jennifer. I’m 19 years old. The charity I support is____________ (insert your charity, service or cause). The reason I support this charity is because my family was homeless at one point growing up and not having a home was the worst experience of my life. I don’t want another kid to have to go through that. The action of service I’m committed to taking is to volunteer this year to help build one new home for a family. That’s what I stand for.”
2. Post your video by clicking here and submitting your entry.
3. Come back here and post the following words in the comments box below: “Lisa, I uploaded my “what I stand for” video.”
Props to Leslie for getting her fans involved with this creative initiative-we can’t wait to see the final videos.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Justin Bieber to Coach Charity Hoops Game
Justin Bieber to Coach Charity Hoops Game
This weekend, Ludacris is hosting his annual ‘Luda Weekend’ in Atlanta which includes a celebrity ‘charity’ basketball game with teams to be coached by Ludacris and Justin Bieber.
The NBA players expected to join Luda on Sunday Sept 5 for tip-off are: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Brandon Jennings Lou Williams, Josh Powell, Iman Shumpert, Raymond Felton, Jarrett Jack, Andrew Goudelock, Chris Singleton and Kyrie Irving.
The game will take place at Morehouse Forbes Arena. Tickets, priced at $10, are still on sale.
Can’t say that I blame the locked-out ballers for playing some interesting exhibition games…especially for charity…but I kinda think it s bunch of lip-service at this point. With this-league and that-league pulling in big names from the NBA for charity games makes me wonder how it’s all being done? We know some of these guys don’t “tip” so are we expected to believe they are donating their own time and money? Or are they really selling enough tickets to cover the operating expenses and donate some back to ‘charity’? I don’t get it, but then again, I don’t think I’m supposed to.
Love to Luda though, for always giving the kids something to smile about.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Serge Ibaka Aids Efforts in Horn of Africa
Serge Ibaka Aids Efforts in Horn of Africa
“It is my duty to contribute and help other kids from my continent so they have the same will to improve every day and, through basketball, become role models, responsible persons and proud of their origins. This is the spirit of the adidas Ibaka Charity Program.” ~Serge Ibaka
During the NBA lock-out, we’ve seen ‘big names’ scrambling for the next good run, hosting exhibition games that are allegedly for charity-yet nary a word about the beneficiaries. Personally, I’m more interested in our mighty-mighty-fine ballers who are out there doing more than just ‘talking the talk’, to wit, NBA player Serge Ibaka.
The Oklahoma City Thunder player, currently hooping it up overseas, hails from the Congo and has used his NBA lock-out time to spread the word about his collaboration with Unicef and adidas to raise funds for the Horn of Africa. Ibaka will donate $100 for every block during the Eurobasket 2011.
“My country and all the African continent are my roots and they form my identity, that is why it’s a priority for me to try to help the sports and social development,” writes Ibaka on his website. “Basketball is a powerful tool to encourage the personal development and the learning of positive values and to acquire aptitudes for life. At the same time, increasing the social unity and the communication between cultures helps reaching peace and the economic development of all the communities.”
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Carmelo Anthony Foundation: 2nd Hoops Court Dedicated
Carmelo Anthony Foundation: 2nd Hoops Court Dedicated
While LaLa is out promoting women as perverts, her husband, Athlebrity favorite Carmelo Anthony, is out promoting safe courts for kids to hoop on.
Earlier this month, Melo via his Carmelo Anthony Foundation, dedicated its 2nd basketball court in Puerto Rico as part of the Courts 4 Kids program. The first time was in July 2010 in the San Juan district of La Perla.
- The community of Luquillo welcomed Melo & team with great fanfare, including welcome remarks from the Secretary of the Department of Sports and Recreation Henry Neumann, and Mayor Jose M. Gonzalez Ortiz who also presented Melo with a key to the city. Melo spoke of his continued commitment to provide a safe environment play environment for kids in under served communities in Puerto Rico and around the world. He thanked the people of Luquillo for their warm welcome, as well as the community leaders and sponsors that helped to make the day possible.
And a big shout out to LaLa for finally understanding what it is that drives this girl to blog about carmalized ballers, sexy surfers and must-have tapa’s.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy: Operation Graduation
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy: Operation Graduation
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Today, student orientation is underway at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA), a public charter high school serving the school districts in and around Greater Metro-Detroit…the mission of the JRLA is to provide a leadership- focused experience within a high-performing high school that engages and inspires Detroit youth to achieve at the rigorous level necessary to ultimately graduate with a college degree.
Founded by NBA great, current ESPN/ABC analyst and infamous ‘Fab Five’ member, Jalen Rose, the Academy is a testament to Rose’s commitment to give back to the community while planting the seeds of success for its class of 2015! Athlebrities is proud to support Operation Graduation and looks forward to the success of its students.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Hoop Hopefuls Come to San Diego
Hoop Hopefuls Come to San Diego
On August 6 and 7 at San Diego State University, En Fuego Hoops will be hosting yet another ‘Proof of Game’ exposure showcase. And what perfect timing it is…with the NBA at a standstill and its Athlebrity players eyeing overseas contracts, it’s about time for all the leagues to eye some of the fresh, young, hungry talented players looking to secure pro-contracts.
En Fuego Hoops already has a proven success record at securing contracts for its players, so it is no surprise that it attracts international scouts, agents, managers and team owners. And this year the showcase is bigger…NBA affiliate team Bakersfield Jam and San Diego’s own San Diego Surf will hoop it up against En Fuego All Stars, who, if you haven’t heard, play like it’s their last day on earth.
So why am I telling you about a basketball showcase event with no apparent charity tie-in? Because within the next few months, Athlebrities and En Fuego Hoops will merge in efforts to build basketball courts for kids in needy neighborhoods. (First one is earmarked for Jamaica in late 2012).
Again, with the NBA AWOL this season, it appears new doors are opening all the time. It’s been proposed that NBA athlebrities form their own leaguewhich I back 100% simply because it would give lesserknown ballers with skill an easier time getting their foot in the door.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Luol Deng Celebrates with South Sudanese Children
Luol Deng Celebrates with South Sudanese Children
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng made a lot of kids ‘jubilant’ in Juba, South Sudan’s capital as the worlds newest nation celebrated independence from the North….Deng hosted a hoops clinic for local youth, taught them some skills and gave them encouragement….love, love and love. Check out the video for all the details or visit Ball Don’t Lie. Thanks to Robert Padavick of the Enough Project to End Genocide for supplying this video to Yahoo! Sports.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
South Sudan Uses Hoops for Hope
South Sudan Uses Hoops for Hope
“We hope to use sport as a means to end conflict,” said sports minister Makuac Teny. “It can help to get the young people to compete in matches instead of fighting, and so to neutralise enmity between tribes.”
As the NBA continues its lockout, I can’t help but laugh at the athletes and teams as they squabble over millions of dollars while the young men in Sudan are salivating at the thought of playing hoops. On July 9, 2011, South Sudan will officially become independent (from the North), leading to the creation of a host national sports team. Check it HERE. This amazing article-which all NBA athlebrities should read-is, at its root, a beautiful story about how sports CAN effectively change the World for the better rather than tarnish it based on money.
Take a minute, put it in perspective and just play the game selflessly.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Detroit Pistons’ Historic Community Service with Samaritan’s Feet
Detroit Pistons’ Historic Community Service with Samaritan’s Feet
“They’ll walk out in their shoes standing six feet tall because their role models touched them in a way they’ll never forget.” Manny Ohonme, president and founder of Samaritan’s Feet
Of all the community outreach being done as part of the NBA Cares ‘Week of Service,” I do believe the Detroit Pistons have so far held the best event…last week at the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit, volunteers from the Palace, sponsors National City and Fathead made it possible for the Pistons and the nonprofit relief organization Samaritan’s Feet to positively impact nearly 2,000 children in three hours…this event was special for several reasons, aside from just giving away free socks and shoes to the kids, the Pistons got down on their knees and washed the kids’ feet before placing new, clean, free socks and shoes on their feet. According to my semi-rusty memory, this is only the second time I’ve seen any of our athletes washing children’s feet for charity. Last January the Grizzlies got down and scrubbed 350 little pairs of feet, which at the time was the largest event held in conjunction with an NBA team…but now, the hotties from the Motor City hold that distinction. “This is a monumental effort,” said Good Samaritan founder Manny Ohonme, “To actually see an entire team come support this and the staff and organization, this is the first time. This is a historical moment for us.” And really, a historical moment for all of us.
(Original story: NBA Cares)
Founded in 2003, Samaritan’s Feet made headlines in January 2008 when IUPUI coach Ron Hunter coached a game barefoot to bring attention to the charity and the organization’s goal of donating 10 million pairs of shoes to impoverished children worldwide in the next 10 years. Since then, Samaritan’s Feet has hosted “Shoes of Hope” distribution events across the country, including one in Detroit last spring during the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
What Does Carmelo Anthony Smell Like?
What Does Carmelo Anthony Smell Like?
“Be more than what you were before, try to do more than what you dream of…be more of a better parent, more of a better human being, just be more.” Carmelo Anthony
Any excuse to indulge in my Melo obsession…and now the powers that be are actually asking me to smell Carmelo Anthony? Well, kind of…you’ve probably heard by now that Carmelo, Ludacris and Rob Dyrdek have teamed up with Tag Body Spray to release a Signature Series of branded scents, each of which bears the name and likeness of its respective celebrity co-signer…Rob Dyrdek: Makes Moves; Ludacris: Get Yours, and Carmelo Anthony: Stay Up…with visions of Melo in my head, I imagine Melo-er, Stay Up, smells like a dream…perhaps with undertones of vanilla, a hint of sweat, a splash of vodka and a whiff of marshmallows…
And to promote the new line, the beasts are taking part in Tag Signature Series Charity Challenge. For the challenge, Melo, Luda and Rob have each chosen a charitable organization to represent, and each charity will receive 10% of the net sales from the sale of their respective body sprays. Whichever hottie sells the most body spray between now and the end of the contest, November 2nd, will receive an additional $25,000 donation for their charity.
Carmelo is hoping to add an additional $25k to The Carmelo Anthony Foundation, a national organization dedicated to providing opportunities for underprivileged kids…Ludacris will campaign on behalf of The Ludacris Foundation, an Atlanta-based organization that empowers children to take control of their own destiny…and Rob will compete on behalf of The Skate Plaza Foundation, an organization that builds skate parks in developing communities.
The winning charity will be announced on www.Facebook.com/TAG on or around November 19. Now pa-leeze, Melo, commere and let me smell you…
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
NBA Donates To Typhoon Relief Efforts
NBA Donates To Typhoon Relief Efforts
The mystery is solved…in my previous post, I wasn’t quite sure how Carmelo Anthony ended up ‘Making-A-Wish’ or what was going on with the NBA and its check presentation…
The answer is better than I thought…the check presentation was part of the NBA and World Vision Taiwan’s partnership to support Typhoon Morakot relief efforts, which included money raised through an online auction featuring NBA player autographed items. In addition, Chauncey Billups, Danny Granger and NBA China CEO Tim Chen filmed a PSA as part of the partnership.
And exactly what was Melo doing with the young Make-A-Wish boy? Tearjerker alert…15 year-old Ah Yu was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when he was just 1 years old but he’s a huge NBA fan and like myself, has always dreamed of meeting Carmelo Anthony…so, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and NBA Games 2009 Taipei partner Cathay Financial Group, Yu received a courtside seat at the Taipei Arena for his first-ever NBA game and met Carmelo Anthony afterward. Doesn’t get much better than that does it?
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Los Angeles Lakers To Be Honored During Special Olympics Bash
Los Angeles Lakers To Be Honored During Special Olympics Bash
EVENT SPOTLIGHT: This Sunday, October 4, on the historic Santa Monica Pier, the Los Angeles Lakers will be honored at the Special Olympics Southern California’s 40th ‘Birthday Bash’… Lakers legends Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy will be representing the Lakers (which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year)…Honorary Chair and California’s First Lady, Maria Shriver, will also attend the event with Special Olympics Board Member, and event founder, Anita Green.
“We are thrilled to be honored by an organization as important and meaningful as Special Olympics. On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, I want to congratulate Special Olympics and all its athletes on 40 wonderful years in the Southern California community. We look forward to working together with Special Olympics and continuing its mission for years to come.” Lakers General Manager, Mitch Kupchak.
The party, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes an appearance by the Laker Girls as well as an exclusive opportunity to take a photo with (and kiss) the Los Angeles Lakers’ Championship trophy….the family friendly bash includes rides, game booths, a silent auction, entertainment and for those willing to donate a little extra- a VIP brunch spread prepared by 35 of LA’s top restaurants.
This celebration commemorates 40 years for SOSC, which was founded by Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist, Rafer Johnson. “What started 40 years ago with 900 athletes, three track and field events and two swimming events was the stepping stone for our organization, which has grown to 13,000 athletes,” said Bill Shumard, SOSC President and CEO. “I’m proud that Special Olympics can be credited with not only introducing sports to people with intellectual disabilities but for creating more accepting and inclusive communities.” Since its inception, the event has raised more than $4.5M.
Confirmed guests: Maria Shriver, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Tami Farrell (Miss California, USA), Carrie Prejean (Former Miss California), Brandon Molale, Wynne Wharff, CC Perkinson, Christine Devine, Morgan Weirich, Scott L. Schwartz, Jo De La Rosa, Daniel Curtis Lee, Malik Barnhardt, and more to be announced…
General admission tickets are $45 and include unlimited rides, eight game booth tickets, and a meal coupon for Pacific Park’s Food Plaza. VIP tickets include unlimited rides and 12 game booth tickets and a special VIP Brunch for $150 per ticket for adults and children over age 5 and $500 for a package of 5 tickets. For tickets or further information, contact Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org/pierdelsol or 562.354.2605.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Chris Paul Grants a Wish
Chris Paul Grants a Wish
Last week, New Orleans Hornet, Chris Paul held his annual charity event, the Chris Paul Winston-Salem Weekend to raise funds for the CP3 Foundation and to give back to the community he came from…the Winston-Salem Weekend activities included a ‘Day of Service’ on Friday where CP stuffed care packages for American troops overseas and distributed food to needy families…he also hosted a free youth basketball clinic, worked with Special Olympic athletes and held a gala honoring the late Wake Forest Coach Skip Prosser…the first three years of the event have raised over $325,000 for a variety of programs and charities in the Winston-Salem area.
And it’s not just about community, giving back and raising money- it’s about raising spirits: “Today is always a special day,” Paul told the kids. “It’s an opportunity to give back to the community, to you kids and to all the different families who need it.” One such way he gave back to the kids came when he read his new book, Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big
But those who know CP, know he’s not gonna stop at reading, donating, or rebuilding when he can do more-when he wants to do more…
- Jarrell Marshall’s day went from special to unforgettable at the Carlson Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. It was already shaping up to be a red-letter day when Marshall got to meet Chris Paul, his favorite NBA player. Marshall, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was representing the regional office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation at a check-presentation ceremony at Paul’s annual Winston-Salem Weekend yesterday. Shortly after shaking Marshall’s hand, Paul told him not to go anywhere. “What’s your wish?” Paul asked. “To meet Chris Paul,” Marshall quietly answered. “That and what else?” Paul asked. “To take my family to Jamaica on a cruise.” “I’m here to tell you,” Paul said, “that your wish has been granted.” (Full story can be read HERE)
I try my best to keep up with athletes and their philanthropy. I can count on one hand the number of players who go out and spread love without asking for a pat on the back…players that are so active and sincere about their off-field giving that it’s difficult to keep up with them…Chris Paul is one of those athletes. He’s an exceptional human being who hasn’t been tainted by celebrity and we could certainly use more mighty-mighty-fine CP’s in this world…for more about hot-stuff and his foundation, please visit his website CHRISPAUL3.COM. On behalf of humanity, thank you Chris Paul. (All images courtesy of the CP3 Foundation)
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Carmelo Anthony’s Syracuse Basketball Center Opens
Carmelo Anthony’s Syracuse Basketball Center Opens
Last week, after years of construction, the Carmelo K. Anthony basketball center officially opened its doors to the Syracuse men’s and women’s basketball teams. “I would never in a million years think I would be sitting here today six or seven years after winning a national championship, doing the ribbon cutting for my building,” said Melo…
Melo’s 54,000 square foot Center – located adjacent to Manley Field House and smack dab in the middle of my libido- includes: two practice courts, a strength and conditioning room, an athletic training suite, locker room facilities and offices for both the men’s and women’s coaching staffs…but the best thing about it (aside from the name of course) is that fact that it’s a LEED building. (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.) Melo’s building is designed to use 30% less water than a typical new building…it’s designed to use almost 20% less energy than a typical new building…more than half of the construction and demolition waste was recycled or reused…approximately 20% of the materials used in the building are made from recycled materials.
“We ask our student-athletes to be champions on and off the field, that is one of our missions here and it’s very important, Carmelo Anthony epitomizes that,” said Dr. Daryl Gross, Director of Athletics, “When you think about Carmelo being a gold medalist, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, national champion, and then what he does outside of basketball. He gives back to the community and donates his time, then as one of the few student-athletes in the country to make such a significant donation, to give back to his alma mater, that is outstanding, it’s wonderful and Carmelo we thank you.”
And for those who are unaware, precious Melo kicked in $3 million toward the construction of the facility. “I’ve been ready to cut this ribbon for about two years now,” said Melo, “I want to thank the Syracuse community for allowing me to come back here to my second home, I take great pride in this city. I want to thank the men’s basketball team and the women’s basketball team, Coach Boeheim and I were saying hopefully we can be in the top five recruiting class for both programs next year. Once again I just want to say thank you, I’m proud to be opening this building with my name on there and when I’m dead and gone this building will be here for generations after. Thank you, and let’s cut this ribbon.” A full transcript of the speech can be found HERE.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
NBA and HP Launch Digital Assist Competition
NBA and HP Launch Digital Assist Competition
HP and the National Basketball Association have kicked off the HP Digital Assist education grant competition…. no, not one that gives me a ‘digital assist’ from Melo, but one for the kids…More than 5,000 students from approximately 100 selected Title 1 middle schools in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C., will compete for grants worth more than $80,000 in HP mobile digital classroom technology, NBA tickets and merchandise, visits from NBA stars and other awards.
Tipping off the event at Jefferson Junior High School in Washington, D.C. was All-Star Wizard Antawn Jamison (L) and NBA Legend Bob Lanier (not pictured)…
In Chicago, Janero Pargo of the Chicago Bulls frolicked with that scary mascot, Benny the Bull, and eighth grade students of Orozco Community Academy…
Here’s how it works: The competition invites student teams to create projects that make classroom concepts real and relevant to the outside world by engaging students to combine the power of technology and the excitement of NBA basketball. In addition to enhancing learning, these projects will allow students to demonstrate how they learn best and—through a public competition website at- www.hpdigitalassist.com – enable other students and teachers to benefit as well. HP and NBA Cares are working with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which will provide learning kits and judging rubrics for the competition and professional development for winning schools.
Sounds pretty cool to me…as does this little unrelated tidbit…for any of you trying to raise money for charity, there’s an amazing site called First Giving. They help you set-up a fundraiser page and funnel donations directly to your non-profit of choice…I’ve checked out the site, and tons of people are actively doing what we all should be…for example, in October, “Jen” will run her first marathon in memory of a special little boy named Jon-Jon…back in February of 08, I mentioned Jon-Jon…he was diagnosed with brain cancer and lost his battle at the age of 7 on November 16, 2008. Jen met with Jon-Jon’s mom, who asked for donations to go to The Cure Starts Now. This non-profit organization was started by a family who had a child with the same brain tumor, and dedicates their donations to research and treatments for children with brain cancer. You can help by visiting Jen’s ‘First Giving’ page, or by starting your own fundraiser page at First Giving.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Derek Fisher is Character Driven: Life, Lessons, and Basketball
Derek Fisher is Character Driven: Life, Lessons, and Basketball
Los Angeles Laker Derek Fisher can do no wrong…at least in my book. But don’t take it from me, Derek Fisher has just released his own book, Character Driven: Life, Lessons, and Basketball
Derek Fisher is a man of exceptional character…a few years ago Fisher was playing for the Utah Jazz when they faced the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals…at the time, Fisher’s then 10-month old daughter Tatum had been diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a degenerative and rare form of eye cancer, which required an emergency three-hour surgery at New York’s Presbyterian Hospital…Fisher flew to NY with permission from the team, stating he would try to return in time for Game Two. After his daughter’s surgery, he and his family flew from New York and landed in Salt Lake City with the game in progress. He arrived at the arena and entered the game in the middle of the third quarter…I can still remember the standing ovation he received…late in the fourth, Fisher made a critical defensive move, sent the game into overtime and in the closing minutes, landed a three-pointer that sealed an emotional victory…soon after, Fisher asked the Jazz to release him from his contract so he could relocate to a team and city that would have the “right combination” of specialists that could help fight his daughter’s retinoblastoma. The Jazz honored his request and Fisher joined the Lakers who went on to win their fifteenth NBA championship (making it number four for D-Fish)…
About the book: In Character Driven, the NBA champion and starting point guard for the Lakers shares his life story and the inspirational values that have led to his success. Since his rookie season with the Lakers in 1996, Derek Fisher has had a dramatic impact on—and great success with—the NBA. Playing alongside legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Fisher has held his own at point, exhibiting his exceptional floor leadership and participating in some of the most dramatic post-season games and thrilling moments in recent memory. In his compelling new book, Fisher shares the values that have guided him on the court and off. From his roots in Little Rock to his record-breaking college career at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, his four NBA championships, and his position as president of the Players Association, Fisher shows readers what it’s like to play—and achieve—at the highest levels. Drawing on the power of faith, he demonstrates how anyone can play for a successful team: whether that team is family, community, or just happens to be one in the NBA.
MEET DEREK FISHER: Los Angeles Lakers star Derek Fisher will be signing copies of his book “Character Driven: Life, Lessons, and Basketball” on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at the Barnes & Noble store at The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles, starting at 7pm.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com