MONTREAL--Two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony credits his Montreal upbringing for much of his success.
Now Anthony is looking to give back to those who helped develop him into the person and basketball player he is today.
On Saturday, the Miami Heat center will host a pair of basketball clinics and show off his skills, plus auction off various autographed jerseys from teammates, including Lebron James’ and his own, to raise funds for the Union United Church.
“Many may or may not know, (the church) has fallen on some very tough times where they can't even have service right now in the church,” Anthony said. “So we're really trying to do everything that we can to be able to save it because it's a really a very important part of this city's culture as the first black church in Montreal.”
The signed jerseys available include those worn by teammates Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, and Chris Bosh. Bidding starts at $500. James’ no. 6 jersey had fetched a bid of $710 by Friday afternoon, while Anthony’s no. 50 was standing at $580.
The Dawson College graduate credits his mother Erene and his church roots for much of his success.
“She has been amazing to me and, you know, been such a big influence on my life in terms of just teaching me, you know, how to, you know, present myself properly as a young man,” the 6-foot-9-inch Anthony said. “And the church had a very big, you know, influence on me as well. I pretty much grew up in the church.”
Anthony, who signed with the Heat in 2007 after playing college basketball at UNLV, never seems to take his stardom for granted and he hopes to parlay his work ethic to the kids at the camp on Saturday.
“(I tell them to) follow their goals and believe in themselves,” Anthony said. “I guess an opportunity to be able to meet me is a chance to see that, you know, someone from Montreal can do some really amazing things.
“I've been really blessed with what I've been able to do so far in terms of playing basketball and playing on amazing teams, and to be playing in the NBA.I just want to let those kids know that there are amazing opportunities for them if they continue to work hard and stay focused on their goals.”
Saturday’s clinics are at the YM-YWHA, 5400 Westbury Avenue and will feature two sessions:
Under 12 years old from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at a cost of $40
13 years old to 18 years old from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $40
There will be a 3-point contest, slam dunk contest and all-star game with the Quebec All-Stars and Joel Anthony. For more information or details, please contact Linton Garner at 514-604-3224 or Marie Berryman at 514-941-5203.
For details on the auction, visit: http://www.silverene.ca/auction
