Thursday, February 20, 2014

REPOST: Cats Host Big Brothers Big Sisters Clinic

Aside from the basketball, the NBA is also known for its charitable acts.  Recently, the Charlotte Bobcats and the Lady Cats welcomed the Big Brothers Big Sisters for a basketball clinic.  Read the full story in this article from NBA.com.
Image Source: www.nba.com
Members of the Charlotte Bobcats and the Lady Cats reached out to the community by hosting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte for a basketball clinic on Jan. 27, 2014 at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The night began with an introduction of the Bobcats players, then children ages 6-13 and their mentors dispersed and participated in several stations set up to teach them important basketball skills. Players instructed the kids on the value of practice and teamwork through passing, shooting, dribbling and defensive drills.

Guard Ramon Sessions reflected on his childhood and stressed the importance of the event being an enjoyable experience for the kids involved.

“I reminds me of growing up as a kid just being out here and having fun,” Sessions said. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces, it’s tremendous. It is really a joy to be here.”

Forward Cody Zeller also enjoyed his time with the kids and was thankful to be in a position to give back.

“I remember coming to camps like this growing up and how big of an impact it had on me,” Zeller said. “I feel that it’s a part of my duty to give back to the kids and it’s neat to team up with the Bobcats to put on an event like this.”

After mentors and kids spent six minutes at each of the five stations, they were given the opportunity to ask any question to the Bobcat players. Some of which evoked laughter from the players and kids. After the Q&A, kids, mentors and players posed for a group photo and the kids were given a gift bag upon leaving.

Director of Match Support for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte, Jenelle Martin, expressed the importance of the event for the program.

“It’s great that they have role models to look up to that are positive,” Martin said. “It’s a really great opportunity for our littles to experience interacting with the players and having fun.”
A philanthropist, Ken Von Kohorn has been an active “Big Brother” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, working with a boy who will be in college this fall.  Follow this Twitter page for more articles about the Big Brother Big Sisters program.