State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein held a basketball clinic with New York Knickerbockers alum John Wallace and Liberty legend Kym Hampton at Soundview Academy Thursday. The former professional athletes were on hand to show more than a 100 students the ropes in shooting hoops, running pro-style basketball
drills and performing conditioning exercises. “Anytime such spectacular pro-athlete talent takes the time to meet with students it not only lifts up their school day but could very well be the seed to big dreams that may someday grow into their own professional sports career. John and Kym are such powerful role models and their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of basketball and the lessons learned both on and off the court are a great inspiration for the students at Soundview and throughout New York City. Sports are always a
great vehicle for keeping our children on the right track to leading healthy and happy lives,” said Senator Klein.
"Going
out into the community with the Knicks and the Liberty has always been
an honor and a privilege for me," said Wallace "It's an important
responsibility to give back and I want to help positively influence
these children's lives. The group today worked as hard and as diligently
as any group we've ever had the privilege of helping," said Wallace.
"It's really important for the New York Liberty and Knicks to be out in the community," said Hampton.
"These young kids are our fans and our future. We get a kick out of
coming out and teaching them skills and letting them know that if they
work hard, anything can be achieved."
"We are grateful to Senator Klein for securing major basketball legends to participate in a fun fitness day with our students. Days like this one are special, and having the experience of shooting hoops with basketball
stars is a memory that our scholars will carry with them for years to come. Soundview Academy from its inception has stressed the holistic education of our scholars, including robust physical education and health education. We appreciate the recognition this event brings to our program and other similar middle schools making the education of the whole child their priority," said Soundview Academy Principal William Frackelton.
Wallace was a first round draft pick of the Knicks in 1996, selected 18th overall. Hampton was drafted by the New York Liberty in the first round of the WNBA elite draft of 1997 and went on to be named to the team’s Ring of Honor in 2011.
