Basketball clinic encourages youngsters to be active

 “The Harlem Globetrotters have teamed up with 24 Hour Fitness to put on clinics all across the country to help kids get active,” said Globetrotter Derick ‘Dizzy’ Grant. “We have two clinics today to get the kids moving and to teach them about basketball and the Harlem Globetrotters.

“Hopefully all the kids are having fun. Fun is what is most important to kids. Secondly, they will learn some fundamental skills about the game of basketball.

“In the age that we live in, convenience takes center stage. Sometimes it is easier to be entertained by sitting in front of a TV, playing videogames, so kids don’t always get out and get active. We teach the kids to stay active for 60 minutes a day whether walking, running or playing with friends rather than watching TV.”

Helping kids was the primary goal of the clinic, according to 24 Hour Fitness’ manager Rudy Ridera.

“Today’s activity allows kids to come out, enjoy themselves and meet Globetrotters. We have a message that is extremely important. I want the kids to see that whatever their dreams are, they can apply themselves and achieve their goals. Hopefully, they will walk away with the motivation to achieve great things.”

Chad Green looked on as his 11 year old son played basketball during the clinic.

“We want to open our child up to new experiences as he is growing,” Green said. “So if he really likes something, he can start getting motivated in setting goals towards doing those things. His motivation for the last year has been to learn to play basketball much better. I’m hoping he will take three or four skills away from this clinic.

“In society today, we don’t want our kids to get hurt. That is why we have rubber playgrounds. The simple fact is that, if a child falls and hurts themselves, they learn from that and they grow, get tougher and go on.”