PHILIPSBURG – NBA all-star professionals Elton Brand of the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Maverick Brendan Haywood took time out of their family vacation to team up with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau to host a free basketball skills clinic on Tuesday Aug. 2, 2011 at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium.
“First and foremost, it was a privilege for the Tourism ministry to host Mr. Elton Brand and Mr. Brendan Haywood here in St. Maarten,” said Minister of Tourism Franklyn A. Myers.
“Secondly, the NBA clinic which was offered was not only fantastic but very educational for the youngsters who participated, the lessons and tips given were well received. In the future we look forward to hosting more clinics, whereby all youngsters on St. Maarten who are interested in the various sports can benefit,” he also stated.
More than 200 children took to the courts to participate in the skills clinic while parents and friends watched from the stands.
“We are honored that NBA all-star professionals such as Mr. Brand and Mr. Haywood donated their time to work with the youth in St. Maarten and offer their expertise as well as to teach the importance of relationship building by working as a team,” said May-Ling Chun, Interim Director of Tourism for St. Maarten.
From left to right: Edward Dest, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau; William Bell, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau; Hon. Minister of Economics, Tourism & Telecommunications Mr. Franklin Meyers;
NBA Star Brandon Haywood; Hon. Minister of Health, Labour, Social Affairs Mr. Cornelius DeWeever Director of Tourism Ms. May-Ling Chun;
NBA star Elton Brand Lisa Coffi, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Lisa Noel St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
