You could see it in their eyes….the pride and excitement of learning new basketball moves being taught to them by the very celebrities they had only seen on television or read about.
Kenny Anderson. Tim Hardaway. Dennis Rodman. Mario Chalmers. Anderson was there every day as the lead teaching pro and his presence was magnetic. It was hard to tell whether the parents or the youngsters were more excited to meet these basketball legends and pros.
Floyd Raglin, CEO of Floyd Sports Marketing, was looking for the ideal location for the All-Star Basketball Camp, and all roads led to the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach… home to a professional basketball court that often serves as a practice site for the pros. “We created this camp to emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and to have the youth not only learn basketball, but good sportsmanship from their role models. I can’t thank Gary Bomzer, Chris Moltman and the entire staff of the JCC enough… they embraced this project immediately and gave it their full support. There are too many stories to tell, too many incredible memories that someday have to be put into a book! Warren Henry, Warren Henry Automotive, is a strong friend and supporter, and we couldn’t have done it without him. Robert Festinger and everybody at the Newport Beachside Hotel proved to be another incredible partner. We were all thrilled that Kenny Anderson was there every day, and Tim Hardaway and Miami Heat Guard Mario Chalmers were special guests as well as my well-behaved best friend, Dennis Rodman!”
Jon Hirsch of All-Star Basketball spent hundreds of hours organizing the details of this major event that ran from August 9 – 12. “I really want to thank the players, staff and sponsors, with special gratitude to the JCC and Gary Bomzer for opening their home to us and believing in this project. Our camp was so successful that we’re now working on scheduling our first All-Star Basketball Academy for kids and adults – stay tuned.”
Gary Bomzer, Executive Director of the JCC, embraced the idea of the camp, realizing the potential it held for the hundreds of youngsters who spent their summers at the JCC. After camp concluded, Bomzer said, “This was a wonderful basketball camp experience that provided an inspiring week for my kids. They were surrounded by role models, and it couldn’t have been better! I look forward to having many more programs with Floyd and his team.”
Chris Moltman, the JCC’s Director of Health, Sports and Wellness, added, “ This was an amazing opportunity to showcase our basketball program to the community. Working with Kenny Anderson every day could not have been better as he instilled life lessons and invaluable experiences.”
Kenny Anderson said, “ I loved teaching these young kids the exciting game of basketball. The All-Star Basketball Camp did an outstanding job and the bottom line… it was a great camp for the kids!”
Superstar Dennis Rodman added, “The camp was absolutely amazing! Kids from all different age groups came here at one skill level and worked hard to reach the next level. By far, this was one of the best basketball camps I’ve had the privilege to be a part of.”
Stephanie Trump, President of the I Have A Dream Foundation Miami, had some of her innercity children participating in the camp, and had only words of praise. “Thank you for the amazing experience our Dreamers had. It is extraordinary for children to be taught by players of this caliber.”
And Elaine Adler, president of the Aventura Marketing Council, who helped Raglin and Hirsch with the event, added, “I saw the players giving their all’ as they taught the kids both the basics and the intricacies of basketball. The excitement on the kids’ faces told the whole story…from the tips on basketball moves to life lessons on sportsmanship, the All-Star Basketball Camp provided it all.”
Title sponsor for the event was Warren Henry Zinn, Warren Henry Automotive, philanthropist and community leader who noted, “ I was very proud to be part of the All-Star Basketball Camp, and being able to help the kids and families of the Michael-Ann Russell JCC.”
Additional sponsors were Aventura’s Finest Hand Car Wash, Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort. Title Sports Drink, and Sports Authority of Aventura.
For information, contact Floyd Sports Marketing at 305-761-2929 or floydsportsmarketing.com; allstarbasketballcamp.com or the Michael-Ann Russell JCC at 305-932-4200.
