Nike, Mayor Bloomberg and Amar’e Stoudemire Team Up in Brooklyn By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Taking time away from his normal busy responsibilities, Mayor Bloomberg joined up with Knicks star Amare Stoudemire to unveil a new basketball court at the Taylor-Wythe Community Center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. According to the Mayor’s office, “The court was originally used at Radio City Music Hall during last year’s inaugural World Basketball Festival – a four-day celebration sponsored by Nike and USA Basketball… Following the dedication, Amar’e Stoudemire officially opened the court at a basketball clinic for the young people in [Department of Youth and Community Development] ‘s basketball leagues.” This is a great way to give back to the community and support sports activities for our youth. The kids were very excited. Everyone had a laugh when Mayor Bloomberg added some humor to the event by stepping on a bench next to Stoudemire to reach his level in order to have a photograph taken.
Stoudemire is 6’10” and our mayor is 5’7″ (although his driver’s license seems to read 5’10”!). Bloomberg said, “Today is a great example of what can be accomplished when people give back to their community. When kids are involved in sports, they learn the value of teamwork and start to build a solid foundation of skills that will help carry them through life – both on and off the court. This basketball court will help train New York’s stars of tomorrow and would not have been possible without the generosity of Nike and Amar’e Stoudemire.”
Nike will also be installing courts at Rucker Park in Harlem at the Polo Grounds community center in Manhattan. Everyone appreciates the support that Nike has put forth in this endeavor.
“Growing up, I always imagined playing on a court like this some day. It’s amazing to be here and see my dream come to life for the children in this community,” said Amar’e Stoudemire.
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