As recent top NBA draft picks, you might think all Tyreke Evans, Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are worried about is their own future in the spotlight of professional sports.
But those players will be doing their part on Monday at the Play for Peace youth basketball clinic as part of the Seeds of Peace International Camp. They will be joined by fellow NBA players Brian Scalabrine and Jordan Farmer, as well as former WNBA star Barbara Turner, as they instruct 140 Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian, Jordanian and American youngsters on fundamentals, teamwork and leadership.
The clinic is headed by Arn Tellem, President of the Wasserman Media Management Group and Board Member of Seeds of Peace.
“At a critical moment in the Middle East with renewed interest in diplomacy, it’s important that the players do their part to advance understanding and coexistence,” Tellem said through a press release. “Every year, this visit becomes an experience as much for the players as it is for the camp participants.”
People close to the program believe that basketball can be an important tool in teaching teens to work together and get along.
“Sports, and in particular, basketball, is a very important part of the camp experience,” said Leslie Lewin, Director of the Seeds of Peace camp. “The visit of the NBA players helps teach the importance of cooperation and trust, and helps draw attention to the courageous efforts of our campers.”
