Skilled basketball participant Jared Armstrong, seen right here, has targeted on utilizing basketball to fight hate.
JACK TOMCZUK / METRO FILE
Spots are nonetheless out there for a free back-to-school occasion being hosted this weekend by Israeli skilled basketball participant and Philadelphian Jared Armstrong.
Members could have the chance to hone their basketball expertise and obtain backpacks, faculty provides and swag without charge, Armstrong mentioned.
The clinic is open to youngsters getting into first by eighth grades and might be held from midday to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, on the Kaiserman JCC, situated close to Metropolis and Haverford avenues in Wynnewood.
Registration is required, and Armstrong mentioned his staff has the capability to deal with eight to 10 extra children, as of Wednesday. For extra info or to enroll, go to jabcamp.com.
Two former faculty gamers and retired professionals – Bilal Benn and Rashan Bellinger, each Philadelphia natives – will function trainers for the clinic, in response to Armstrong. Reebok is sponsoring the occasion.
“I feel that is our first of many,” Armstrong instructed Metro. “We’re simply seeking to hold constructing camaraderie and use basketball to bridge gaps and create peace amongst communities.”
Armstrong, 28, has been behind a wide range of basketball-related initiatives aimed toward combating the rise of antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism, notably amid the rise in hate that has accompanied the conflict in Gaza.
In June, he hosted a weeklong camp for 80 youth on the Kaiserman JCC that mixed basketball drills with classes about prejudice, discrimination and different matters. He spends offseasons in Philadelphia, having cut up time rising up between town and Maryland.
Armstrong not too long ago signed with an Israeli staff based mostly in southern metropolis of Eilat, and he plans to make the journey again to the nation on Wednesday.
