According to NBA Coaches Association President and Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle, ”There is no more important issue facing America today than making sure our young people get on the right path in terms of academic achievement, good character and a healthy lifestyle”.
During the 2012-2013 NBA season, the NBA Coaches for Kids Program celebrates its fifth season. Since its inception, the program has provided nearly $2 Million to enable young Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) members to attend NBA games and learn from NBA coaching staffs. Since the inaugural year, more than 150,000 BGCA members have attended games.
The highlight of the season is set to take place during the 2013 NBA All-Star weekend (Feb. 15 - 17) in Houston. At that time, 30 young members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston will get to watch the East and West All-Star team practices, followed by a special meet and greet with one of the All-Star coaches.
Rick Carlisle is excited once again for the opportunity to impact so many, “We are thrilled to be behind the NBA Coaches for Kids program which can play an integral role by giving kids the opportunity to attend an NBA game and experience firsthand what it’s like to train with these All-Star coaches and trainers”.
This year, NBA coaches and trainers are emphasizing the importance of the BGCA’s “Great Futures Impact Plan”. The plan highlights three missions, which form the basic expectations of every BGCA member:
Academic Success: Graduate from high school, ready for college, trade school, the military or employment.
Good Character and Citizenship: Be an engaged citizen involved in your community, register to vote and model strong character.
Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a healthy diet, practice healthy lifestyle choices and make a lifelong commitment to personal fitness.
“NBA athletic trainers are highly trained licensed medical professionals who have what it takes to promote good habits,” said Casey Smith, chairman of the NBA Athletic Trainers Association and head athletic trainer for the Dallas Mavericks. “We are pleased to be able to have an opportunity through NBA Coaches for Kids to interact with young Boys & Girls Club members and emphasize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.”
NBA Coaches for Kids is part of the NBA Cares programs. In addition to providing tickets to games and in-arena activities, the program will make a $1,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs that each participating coach attended or to a club in their current team city.
The Good in Sports tips their cap to NBA coaches and their work with Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
