Imagine if you will, four adults walking down the hallway in a middle school heading to their destination speaking to each other and as they walk by the classrooms heads popped up and children began to get excited by what they were seeing. On a normal day, this scene may have caused an alarm except one of the adults was no ordinary person. The Philadelphia 76er’s Guard Willie Green was strolling pass the children with a ball signed by his teammates and while these children knew someone was coming from the organization, to see him in person was more than a treat for them!
The CALM Society’s Founder Andrea Lawful – Trainer was able to arrange a special visit for the young people and the youth while excited, were very respectful as they poured into the Auditorium and took their seats. Mr. Green spoke with them on the values of having goals and he took care to let them know they should write them down so they look back years later to see which ones they accomplished.
He spoke of the importance of having a vision and using hard work and determination to get where you want to in life. After expounding on the journey it took for him to become a 76er, Willie told the youth that there was only a slim chance that any of them would ever make it to the NBA so they were to work hard in school and develop skills aside from playing basketball. Willie spoke of his near career ending injury to his knee and how it made him think about his future plans which he has since put into motion so he will have successful ventures after he retires from the NBA.
The children were allowed to ask questions and take group photos with the Basketball star which he did graciously and with much patience as they (children) were literally star struck. Willie left with the promise of autographed pictures for them all and tickets to a game in the near future! Mrs. Lawful-Trainer was presented with the ball from the team which she then gave to the VIBE program for a keepsake. It was an afternoon the children and adults alike would not soon forget!
