« YESTERDAY’S CHILDREN — TRUE LEADERSARTHUR’S HEAT
Article: STACY MOORE — Photos: DEVON BYRON
A DREAM court come true, many Fanny Village residents described the Miami Heat Arthur Joseph Fanny Village Basketball Court which was officially opened yesterday at a cost of TT$350,000. Residents came out in their numbers, young and old, to show their support and appreciation for Arthur, the Deal or No Deal winner. The court was officially opened to the public on August 29th 2007, as the Deal or No Deal winner himself, Arthur Joseph was present to cut the ribbon at Fanny Village, Point Fortin to open the basket ball court which was refurbished in Miami Heat style. With just only one day before Independence, the Fanny Village Community received a life time gift for generations and future generations.
“This gift would not have been possible if it was not for Arthur’s choice.” said Point Fortin Mayor, Victor Mitchell. Joseph won the “Deal or No Deal” NBC television game show and was given a deal of US$70,700. Also as part of the deal the 2006 NBA champions Miami Heat were to refurbish a basketball court in Trinidad, also naming it after Joseph. Subsequently, Fanny Village, Joseph’s hometown was chosen for refurbishment, after several visits to other courts across Trinidad.
The court was immediately refurbished by The Miami Heat as promised, fully equipped with a recreational area and new basketball equipment shipped from Miami. Heat director, of community affairs Ralph Leon said yesterday, he was thrilled to bring the Heat experience to Trinidad and Tobago. He also made mention of the challenge which was proposed to him which he accepted, but also released a challenge in return for Trinidad and Tobago.” Although we have already embraced the challenge, and the national instrument, the steelpan, will be played at NBA games. “My challenge to you all here is to make basketball here, just as important as cricket and soccer,” said Leon. “So, he said,” we could have reasons to come back to Trinidad.
The day at the new court was full of basketball activity, as Miami Heat forward Wayne Simien, together with ex-NBA player Wally Jones, interacted with the children of Fanny Village teaching and demonstrating basketball. And the Miami Heat Extreme team showed off their acrobatic skills to the villagers.
Also present for the opening ceremony were Miami Heat officials, the Miami Heat mascot, dancers, and Minister of Sports Roger Boynes. Joseph contribution, is now being described by many as a selfless act. His patriotism for his country is now being circulated internationally, said Leon. Joseph indicated that the decision he made, was an opportunity for him to give back something to Trinidad and Tobago. “It was a choice between either purchasing a house for my mom or refurbishing the court here in Trinidad. “After consulting my mother, we both decided on the refurbishment of a basketball court in Trinidad,” Joseph said.
Above article was extracted from the Newsday Newspaper with minor changes.
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 at 5:09 am and is filed under FESTIVE OCCASIONS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
