Steve Nash of the LA Lakers is a true role model for our kids because not only is he a talented but humble player from Canada, but he gives back through his foundation to promote healthy living for underserved children.
We need more Professional Athlete Role Models:
Watching professional sports with our children and discussing the traits of successful athletes provides teaching moments for key life lessons such as good sportsmanship and citizenship. Lately, we have to avoid watching some of our favorite sports because of the twenty questions the kids ask about the life styles of certain athletes. So seeing Steve Nash in the flesh encouraging kids to reach for their potential at his foundation’s benefit Showdown NYC made our day. We jumped at the chance to see our role model and his NBA “greats and soccer superstars” battle it out on the pitch for charity.
The Big Showdown:
We arrived at the event early and witnessed the wonderful clinics that the foundation held with local soccer organizations for underserved youth. One of the groups, Street Soccer USA helps homeless children rehabilitate and find community through sports. When we met one of the co-founders Lawrence Cann, he introduced us to his team and shared the story of how he and his brother founded the charity because they became homeless as children when their house burned down. Started in 2006, Street Soccer USA partners with homeless service agencies in16 cities with only a budget of $1 million raised through supporters like the Steve Nash Foundation. After playing hoops with the children from Street Soccer and witnessing the joy they experienced at the showdown, our kids walked away very inspired to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
As the 6:30 pm game time approached, we lined up along the edge of the pitch by the player entrance and had the pleasure of greeting Steve Nash as he entered the field.
Steve Nash chatting and signing autographs with our kids–what a role model!
We were truly amazed by the number of superstars who came out to support such a worthy cause. From the NBA, Baron Davis of the Knicks, and Marco Belinelli and Joakim Noah of the Bulls greeted our kids. Major League Soccer players such as Stu Holden, Oguchi Onyewu, Emmerson Boyce, Sammy Ameobi andThierry Henry mingled with the crowd. We interviewed former Italian soccer great Massimo Ambrosini of AC Milan about his thoughts on the event right before he received an award for all his great work for the soccer community.
Massimo Ambrosini Italian Soccer legend was honored
MLS superstar Stu Holden
Several young boys pulled off their basketball shoes and had the NBA players sign one and the Major League Soccer players sign the other. Too bad our family wore flip-flops! What were we thinking? The match teamed NBA players with MLS players to create the rivalry of Team USA (Red) vs. Team International (Blue). The children chuckled to see several NBA players hit the pitch in their basketball shoes because they could not find soccer cleats in their size. The game started at a fever pitch with Team USA shooting for goal.
@joakimnoah way to inspire kids @stevenashfdn benefit #showdown https://t.co/zes6lsafoz
— TechandTravelmom.com (@skconcepts) June 26, 2013
Two action packed halves kept our kids on their toes as we stood along the sidelines. The NBA players exhibited surprisingly excellent skills and of course the MLS players strutted their stuff.
Photo by Noah’s Arc Foundation
To close out the game for Team USA, Joakim Noah finally scored after working very hard on many attempts. He joyfully ran a victory lap. He was even named MVP.
How can you help this worthy cause?
- Donate from your phone by texting NASH to 20222, and replying “YES” to the confirmation text. You can even win prizes!
- If you live on the West Coast, hit the Showdown in LA on July 14th. For all the information – including access to great seats, access, and even a chance to play with the pros check out SteveNash.org
- If you love bling, Venetian designer Roberto Coin created a line of basketball jewelry benefiting the Steve Nash Foundation –perfect for Sports Moms!
Many thanks to the Steve Nash Foundation for inviting us to the 2013 NYC Showdown. Our children will forever cherish the memory of watching great athletes doing great work for charity. Kudos to Steve Nash for his leadership and being a true role model for our kids. What a perfect day ~what more could a sports mom want!
Related Articles:
Street Soccer for Social Change by Mark Horvath for Huffington Post
Watching the NBA Finals Is A Family Affair
Family Trip to the NBA All-Stars
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