Former Warrior’s center and Community Ambassador Adonal Foyle spent the morning sharing the benefits of exercise and healthy eating at Garfield Elementary School in San Leandro on Wednesday, April 11. The Warriors, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre hosted a Get Fit Time-Out: Playoff Edition and Warriors Basketball Camp staff led a basketball clinic for 50 students.

“Embrace your differences, be patient with yourself and be proud of who you are – then your challenges can become manageable,” said Foyle to a student.

For Foyle, overcoming obstacles came early in life and education proved to be the “golden” to his future. Living with his grandmother on a Caribbean Island of less than a thousand people with sporadic electricity, Foyle used to study via a kerosene lamp. “It’s important for students to understand not to take education for granted and that you can be a great athlete and a great student as well.”

Foyle, an author and lead of his own organization, Kerosene Lamp Foundation, says he is now proud to be an inspiration to the next generation.

“I want kids to know that effort and education is the barrier that breaks down all barriers for everybody and it allows you to soar beyond limits.”

On the playground, children were asked to spread into three groups with 4 Warriors camp basketball coaches; Aalim Moore, Jose Rivera, Chantel Antonio and Nicole Hupke. All of the children swarmed a smiling Adonal Foyle until they were shepherded to the other coaches. Students were then drilled on running, pivoting and dribbling.

Trending

IN MEMORIAM: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Eulogizes ‘The Father of Black Studies’ in San Francisco

One little boy hurt himself and began to cry. A towering Foyle consoled him, gave him water and explained that he too has been hurt before, but after feeling better, “you get back up and perform.” Within minutes the young boy was back at it.

“For our staff, basketball made such a huge impact as kids, so for us now to have the opportunity to give that to the next generation, that’s really what drives us,” said Warriors Basketball Camp Coach, Ben Clarfield.

Through basketball camps, day events and drills, Clarfield says the students learn the fundamentals and the proper way to play basketball. “Because of the Golden State Warriors we see a lot more youth shooting further out for the 3-pointers. Our job is to teach them the proper skills that they can take home and practice to improve their game and become a better player.

According to the Clarfield, the year round camp is designed to utilize anytime the kids are out of school and will offer two overnight sessions in 2018.

“We like to keep kids busy, away from video games, active and keeping their minds fresh.”

Prior to the outdoor drills, Dr. Kapil Dhingra, Physician-in-Chief of Kaiser’s San Leandro Medical Center gave the kids a pep talk on the benefits of healthy living. Kaiser’s Education Theater performed “The Best Me” encouraging children to eat their vegetables, not watch too much TV and engage in physical activity.

“We are so excited today, this event sends a great message to our kids to stay active and make good choices,” said Garfield Elementary School Principal, Lynda Hornada. “We feel fortunate to have the support of both Kaiser and the Warriors.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post