THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2009
Jerome: During my last day in Bahrain, we started by going to the U.S. naval base. We had a great time being with the troops and interacting with them. It was the first time I had been on a U.S. military base, and I would like to make more visits like I did here in Bahrain. It was nice to meet the sailors and play basketball with some of the players from the navy base. It was great to be able to show them our appreciation for all they do for the United States.
Afterwards, we visited the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation, where I had the chance to play wheelchair basketball with some of the kids. They gave me a wheelchair so I could participate. All of the kids were smiling and having a good time. One girl who was about 15 years-old was better than I was! She was very skilled. All of the kids were very impressive; it takes a lot of coordination to be able to maneuver a wheelchair and make shots. These kids illustrated that their disabilities are not preventing them from challenging themselves and having fun.
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It's 8:00 p.m. in Bahrain and I'll be on a plane in about five hours back to the United States. I have learned a little bit more about Bahraini culture, their perspective, and how Bahrainis do things. It's been a great opportunity. Knowledge is power, and when you have a better understanding of why people are the way they are and what makes them do certain things, you can appreciate their rules and regulations.
One cultural experience I had in Bahrain was being invited and welcomed into the home of Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa (President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports). That was an awesome opportunity to just be able to sit back and relax and enjoy dinner with Shaikh Fawaz. Andrea and I enjoyed his hospitality and I felt that he really appreciated all that we were able to accomplish here in Bahrain the last couple of days.
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We discussed the status of sports in Bahrain, and I think that sports are doing well here. From the standpoint of a basketball player, I see a lot of young players who have a lot of capabilities. I think some of the things that Shaikh Fawaz is trying to do to participate in sports is great. It is good to see that Bahrainis are so excited about basketball, but I can see that soccer is a popular sport as well. There are a lot of people coming out to attend the games and enjoy themselves.
I would definitely encourage my fellow NBA colleagues - both playing and retired - to do the same kind of work with other cultures. This program has given me the opportunity to see the power that basketball has to bridge cultural divides and open dialogue. The kid’s passion for the game, and their willingness to learn, makes me believe what we did here will have a lasting effect. One thing about this program is that I get to come out and see a part of the world where I might not have traveled. So now that I have been to Bahrain, I made friends. When you have friends in a place, you generally tend to come back. I would love to have the opportunity to come back to Bahrain and do more work here.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2009
Teamwork
Andrea: Oh! Today the kids remembered the drills from yesterday. We also introduced new and more challenging drills today. We taught them about teamwork through team drills. We focused on rebounding, and of course the kids did our famous push-ups. In general they did very well today.
My advice to the Bahraini girls is that despite some of the cultural restrictions that may limit women's participation in basketball, that they should still strive to succeed as college and professional basketball players. I want to give them hope and be a positive role model. I've seen that the girls are willing to work and willing to work hard to get to the level they are now, and I'm willing to come back to Bahrain to continue their participation in basketball.
The girls in the camp really impress me with their fundamentals and knowledge of basketball. It is obvious that they really want to play and to improve their game. My advice to them is to keep their heads held high, to keep trying, to keep pushing themselves, and to never give up on their dream.
Jerome: Today's drills were not only about teamwork, but we also focused more on the rewards of hard work. We are trying to teach the kids that by being willing to work hard will make the whole team better. We also gave the coaches a number of comprehensive drills that they can work on with the kids once Andrea and I leave.
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On a personal level, I really think that yesterday we were really able to connect with the kids. Today we were able to maintain that same level of energy and intensity, and I think this illustrates how important this program is. To me, coming to Bahrain and sharing our love of basketball with these children is the most important part of this trip, because this experience won't be forgotten. Four years from now, I believe that these kids will remember that Jerome Williams (Junk Yard Dog) and Andrea Stinson were here in Bahrain helping them improve their games and their lives - I know that I will. That is why we are here -- because we hope to leave a lasting legacy of goodwill through basketball. We want to show that Americans care about their fellow citizens throughout the world.
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I've already told them about the importance of hard work and always giving 110 percent. The other advice I hope to impress upon them is to be a good person. I want the kids to understand that if they want to be a leader, they have to lead by example -- to show people how to interact with others and how to respect other cultures. To get respect, you have to give respect.
What I hope the kids take away from this is that I was a good role model for them. It's very important. I hope they consider me to be a good person and take these lessons and apply them to their own lives - on the basketball court and off it.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009
First Day of Camp
Jerome: You know, it is a great experience to be able to carry my craft across the seas. When you are overseas you have to change your perspective. You have to be personable to the kids so they trust you, and be sensitive to the fact that they will be a bit over excited. They don’t get this opportunity everyday and they might not ever get it again. Andrea and I do take some extra time to take pictures and sign autographs to give the kids a little extra encouragement. We want to get the point across about hard work and a strong work ethic, but also we want to keep them motivated and excited.
The clinics started today and were great. The kids were focused and we were able to get the first wave of basketball started. The pace of the camp was strong. I always tell kids that if you don’t put 110% in you don’t get anything out. I am really trying to focus fitness as a key part of basketball. The new wave of basketball is no longer about sitting on the floor grabbing your leg and stretching it out. You need to get the joints moving and the body wound up. They are now practicing and doing the same thing here that we are teaching in the States. I think some of the kids and coaches are stretching some parts of the body they never knew were there.
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It is very inspirational to see all of the women here, especially the young ladies since it is a sign that the role of women in society is progressing in the right direction. It is great to be part of implementing something that will strengthen the role of women in sports here in Bahrain. And like Andrea said the girls - a lot of them have more skills than the boys. They have worked hard on the fundamentals. Basketball is a universal sport – it’s not just for men and boys, but for women and girls as well. It doesn’t matter if you are young, old, man, woman – if you are willing to work hard and focus on the basics – basketball is your game. It is a sport that involves a ball, 5 players, a basket and a lot of dedication.
Andrea: We had a great first day. The kids were very motivated, dynamic, and eager to learn. Each of them has different basketball skills. Some are good at defense, but they all need to focus on basketball fundamentals. I always enjoy working with international kids. With international kids, I have to communicate differently, with a more hands on approach. But international kids are more eager and excited to learn. All in all, it was a great day.
One of the best parts of this program is working with the young ladies. I thought that the young ladies were very fundamentally strong. They obviously want to be a part of a game of basketball because they’ve gone out and learned the fundamentals. They are even stronger than the boys. It put a smile on my face to know that there are young ladies here who have the talent and the skills to play in the United States, in college and in the WNBA, so I would like to encourage them to continue to play.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009
Opening Ceremonies
Andrea: Bahrain is hot and humid, but I am really excited to be here. The opening ceremony for the program was great. The response from the kids was incredible. It really got me excited. The Bahrainis are nice people; they’ve been really warm and welcoming. This is going to be a great program and I am looking forward to it.
We are here to bring the United States and Bahrain together through sport. Programs like this are great - whether they are sports, music, cultural, or art – so we can enjoy each other and to understand an appreciate the different cultures of the world. Also it is a chance for us as professional basketball players to reach kids on a personnel level. Being able to actually spend time with these kids in person is the reason that I do exchange programs like this; it’s a great opportunity to bring the game alive, especially for the young girls.
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The kids at the opening ceremony were so excited! I think they wanted to do the whole camp today. It was fun to see them demonstrate their basketball skills for us. Jerome and I were impressed with the skill level of the kids. Over the next three days, we are going to do four camps with kids aged 11-18. We are going to focus on the fundamentals of the basketball, which is important for kids this age. We want to show them how to learn the game of basketball the correct way so they have a great start in the sport.
More to come soon ... Andrea
Jerome: Wow! Bahrain. The minute you step off the plane you feel the hot humid air - it makes my dog's hair curl! I was met with smiling faces of young kids who were electrifying. Their ball hands skills shocked me – they’re great! In the demonstration they did during the opening ceremony, they did things even I can’t do! I won’t say what specifically, but I shared it with my fellow WNBA superstar Andrea.
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Everyone has been so gracious. I had the opportunity to meet Shaikh Fawaz (President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports in Bahrain) who is instrumental for youth sports in Bahrain, especially basketball. I met the godfather of basketball, Mr. Saeed Al Aradi. This noble man showed me pictures about the history of basketball in Bahrain, including the one and only George Raveling who helped the game of basketball develop here. Saeed will be with us over the next few days and we are looking forward to working with him and learning more about Bahrain’s great basketball tradition. Andrea and I missed an alleyoop during the opening ceremony, so we will have to redeem ourselves when we start the clinics tomorrow. I am looking forward to the next couple days off fun basketball training in Bahrain.
Thank you – JYD
 NBA superstars travel overseas as Sports Envoys to teach technique drills and team building activities, and offer the participants an opportunity to engage in dialogue with American players. The clinics are an outstanding opportunity for youth to discover how achievement in sports can be transformed into the development of life skills, emphasizing the value of leadership, teamwork, and respect. Additional Information Video Media Coverage |
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