On December 30, 1984, a child was born in Akron, Ohio, His mother, Gloria, was only 16 at that time. His father, an ex-con was uninterested in being a mother. The child was raised single handedly by his mom.
Life was not a walk in the park for this child and his mom. Gloria didn't have a stable job and they moved from one apartment to another. Despite her failings, Gloria did everything to give her child the best.
The child grew up to have a love in basketball. Gloria gave him a miniature hoop when he was an infant and he amused himself for hours each day with the toys.
During this child's elementary years, he struggled having friends, largely because he was embarrassed of his home life. He had difficulty focusing on studies but showed intelligence in sports. Basketball and football were his favorites.
Fast forward several years, this child developed his skills in basketball and soon gained recognition around Akron. By the eight grade, he was six foot tall, could play all five positions and had a sixth sense for the game.
He got better as he progressed through high school and soon he began attracting national attention. Everyone's eyes were on him and became one of the heralded prospects in basketball history.
By 2003, he joined NBA. He is LeBron James.
And the rest,as they say, is history.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
Basketball is a big part of Philippines culture, Practically all barangays have basketball courts. The average Filipino height is not considered tall but this has not cut short our love for the game.
Amateur and professional leagues in the Philippines abound- from barangay to school intramurals to collegiate and university leagues. Indeed, we are a nation crazy over this sport.
Like LeBron, a lot of Filipinos dream of becoming big in the world of hoops. It is in this light that the Jr NBA program is on it's 9th year in the Philippines- to be able to reach out to more students, parents and coaches and promote the core values of this sport.
Open clinics and cluster clinics for players aged 10-14 will be held in Dagupan and Cavite. The clinics which will be spearheaded by the best people in this field will surely improve the participants' level of experience. Regional Selection camps will be conducted in Baguio, Cebu and Davao and from there a group will be selected to join the National Training Camp in Manila.
They say the expert in anything was once a beginner. The camps will surely equip these young hearts with the necessary skills .
With a burning love and passion for this sports,it wouldn't be surprising if a Filipino may soon become a big name in world basketball history.
**
Alaska is one with Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Philippines in promoting youth development program through basketball participation, sportsmanship, teamwork and active lifestyle.
The Filipino Rambler is a vibrant travel and food blog that serves as a delightful guide to the beauty of the Philippines. Explore enchanting destinations, savor culinary delights at hidden gems, and stay updated on the hippest events across the archipelago. With a passionate advocacy for Philippine tourism, The Filipino Rambler is your go-to source for discovering the rich tapestry of culture, flavors, and experiences that make the Philippines a must-visit destination
No comments:
Post a Comment