PAY IT FORWARD

March 14, 2019

Few weekends ago, I had the amazing chance to work with amazing individuals and “pay it forward” by hopefully making a difference in the life of few young, amazing, talented, inspiring basketball athletes.

A friend of mine Jennifer Ju founded Day One Basketball which provides high-quality basketball training aiming to extend opportunities to the young generation of athletes in Vancouver, British Columbia.  By being attentive to their social-emotional well-being, Day One Basketball go beyond that by connecting them to a wider community and allowing them to benefit from having an extended family who cares.
As an ex professional athlete, I truly believe in the message of utilizing sports as a vehicle for growth, confidence, reassurance, social interactions, change and self development. Sports isn't just a hobby but a lifestyle, and a way of life. 

Why?

Because, basketball helps young athletes, like you and myself in various different aspects of our lives; determination, self-confidence, hard work, perseverance, self-expression, and few more. The court is our stage — to demonstrate without utilizing words who we are as athlete and individual without actually having to explain or describe ourselves. And for that, I believe we are all very thankful and fortunate!


If I had to share a little something about what sport in general, not just basketball brought into my life I would say amazing friendships, learning experiences, motivation, life goals, travel, education and many other personal memories. I personally don't like to talk much about my life stories, struggles and experiences (it makes me quite uncomfortable) and basketball was a way for me to express myself without utilizing any words. I would just go out there and do what I know best. Play the game of Basketball! Basketball was my personal escape from life, feelings, thoughts and problems. You will always go through ups and downs and for me the best way to walk through it was, Basketball. And if you think for one second that the journey of an athlete is an easy walk in the park, well sorry to pop your bubble buddy but, it isn't. Early morning training, workouts, late night practices, games, injuries, coach and personal performance expectations as well as personal and mental struggles will be all part of the entire process. However, trust me when I say this; "I wouldn't change it for anything else in the world." That's what made me the person that I am today and I am proud of it. 


Trust me, it doesn’t matter one bit what your background is and where you come from, if you have dreams and goals, that’s all that matters. Just have confidence and believe in yourself because I DO. Don’t let anyone tell you; you cannot or stop you from wanting something BETTER for yourself. — If only I listened to anyone, I wouldn’t of done half the things I have done in my life so far and I wouldn’t be here writing this post so please, don’t let anyone, fear, or insecurities get in the way of your goals.

You are meant to do great things. Again, YOU ARE MEANT TO DO GREAT THINGS. I truly believe it.

There will be a men/women 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament coming up and 100% of the proceeds and donations raise will be going toward Post-Secondary Day One Student-Athlete Scholarship Packs:

The pack consists of:
A $2000.00 scholarship
Lululemon Apparel
Physiotherapy / Massage Therapy Sessions 
Health and Wellness Benefits
Basketball Shoes
Individual Basketball Training Sessions
Gift Cards


Hope to see you all there. 

 May the best team win!!!!! Goodluck!! 

Let me know if you have any questions, or would like to donate or know more about Day One Basketball.

 Visit their website to know more at https://dayonebasketball.com/. 


PAY IT FORWARD PEOPLE! IT DOESN'T HURT!












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