By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry
The Dallas Mavericks and the NBA took time out from the NBA Finals on Thursday afternoon and put the focus on youth, the community and the next generation.
“As we often say some things are bigger than basketball, and today is a perfect example of our dedication to the community,” said Mavs CEO Cynthia Marshall.
Amidst fanfare, big names including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and a few of the Mavs players, the NBA and the Mavs unveiled a newly renovated gymnasium, multipurpose room and STEM Lab at Boys and Girls Club of East Dallas to leave a lasting legacy. Renovation to the spaces include new SportCourt flooring, scoreboard, backboards, safety equipment, wall murals and graphics, furniture and updated technology. The renovated club is part of the NBA Cares Finals Legacy Project.
“We are here for the NBA Finals but what we are leaving behind is a renovated boys and girls club for all of you,” said Silver. “What’s most important is after all of this is over, whatever happens in the NBA Finals, that you take advantage of this club. I’ll bet some of these players here grew up in a club just like this in their community and when they went there it was a place to go after school to be around people who care about them.
“That’s my main message to you, take advantage of these clubs and the people here who care about you.”
Mavs governor Patrick Dumont was also in attendance along with Marshall and Mavs players PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford. Also on hand was James E. Lee III, the vice president of club operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas.
“The facility will be here, and you will have the opportunity to use it and learn and grow and that’s what we care about,” said Dumont. “Hopefully you will all benefit from this. Work as hard as you can and maybe one day you can accomplish great things.”
The one-hour event included a ribbon cutting dedication and a youth basketball clinic to celebrate the unveiling of the renovated spaces. The kids also heard from the players who recalled their times at youth clubs.
“It takes me back to when I was little, looking up to my dreams when I was their age – not that long ago,” said Lively laughing while pointing at the youth in attendance. ‘I was trying to think about where I was going to be. I love being able to give back to you and see the smile on your faces.”
Dorothy Gentry is an award-winning journalist, PR pro and educator. A University of North Texas alum, she is the Sports Editor for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger.
