July 19, 2010
Fame and power are two virtues commonly associated with selfish individuals. In the case of Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade, that association does not apply. Instead, their collective celebrity status has been used time and time again to serve those less fortunate in our society. On Sunday afternoon, that trend continued as the two NBA champions capped off The Summer Groove with their All-Star Game finale.
Alley-oop passes, rim-rattling dunks and long range three-pointers dominated the exhibition game in front of a packed crowd. NBA athletes, both current and past, performed for the South Florida fans as the Old School faced off against the New School on the hardwood. The smiles painted on the faces of the stars and fans alike attested to the jovial environment at the American Airlines Arena. Players like Tim Hardaway, Dorell Wright, Mo Peterson, Samuel Dalembert, Brandon Bass and a slew of other notables gave the audience a show worth their money; Money that would go towards a greater cause than oneself.
While the show on the court was quite a spectacle, the benefits it generated go beyond spectacular. The Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation have raised millions of dollars towards the betterment of our youth for several years. Since 1997, the Alonzo Mourning Charities has raised in excess of $7 million. The Wade's World Foundation came to fruition in 2003 and has also generated vast amounts of funding for youth initiatives in South Florida and Chicago. Together they work towards a healthier, more educated generation of children that are properly equipped with the resources to succeed and lead in our world.
The spotlight may constantly be shining on the faces of Zo and D. Wade, but it is their humility that guides that spotlight towards the faces of our youth - society's future - during the week of The Summer Groove. It's gestures of kindness like these that make Miami's two greatest NBA stars models for a better society.
* * *
Photo Album from the Event
No comments:
Post a Comment