The 4th annual Nike South Beach/Miami City Ballers Court of dreams celebrity basketball game took place today at the American Airlines Arena and the basketball court was on fire. The event, hosted by Miami’s own Ricky “the boss” Rozay and Bryant Mckinnie had celebrities and athletes balling it out on the Heat’s court for a great cause.
The organization, which was founded by Michael Lipman and Phillip Calloway, helps provide support and improve the lives of young men in the South Florida areas through youth sports.
Founder Michael Lipman, said “It’s very special to have the celebrities support. We have so many success stories and we really change lives and that’s what its about. Rewarding these kids and for the celebrities to understand to give back to the community and that’s what its about. The kids.”
And he sure was right. The arena, normally filled with raging Heat Fans, was filled with kids of all ages cheering on their classmates and enjoying the tunes of 99 Jamz’s DJ Nasty.
I caught up with South Beach Elite’s coach Nantambu ‘BU’ Willingham who told me these kids practice three to four times a week. Coach ‘Bu’ also confessed to us that the most rewarding thing about coaching was “teaching, mentoring and watching the kids develop and grow into young men who go on to receive scholarships. And we’ve guided them and guided them and its rewarding to see them finally get what they’ve been working so hard for.”
The event, which raised $35,000, also included a halftime show with several performances including Khaotic, and Miami’s own Teenear who performed her single Friday night.
And it was no surprise that The South Beach Elite Team would take home the win for a second year in a row beating the White Glove Team 62-38. But there aren’t any real losers here because this was all for a good cause.
If you’d care to donate or would like more info please go to Courtsofdreams.info. for more information.
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