The Knicks are back!
On Monday, December 19, 2011, the New York Knicks and the Garden of Dreams Foundation hosted a full-team "Home for the Holiday's" Season Launch Party at the MSG Training Center for 150 children from Garden of Dreams partner organization, WHEDco.
The children stepped out of three coach buses and entered the Knicks practice gym for an afternoon of fun. The gym was full of fun games including Knicks Street Team basketball activities, pop-a-shot games, air hockey, bubble hockey, photo stations, video games and skeeball. In addition, a live DJ, magician and face painters were on hand to add excitement to the day.
From the Knicks 7th Ave Squad, host Darnell huddled the children on center court for a couple special surprises. To kick off the surprises, the children were treated to a special performance by the Knick City Dancers (KCD). The children couldn't help but stand up and dance along with the KCD. As if the performance did have the children cheering already, Darnell started with another surprise, the New York Knicks! As the music continued to energize the court and the children beamed with excitement, the Knicks players were individually introduced to the children.
Every member of the Knicks team hung out with the children to play games and start a dance contest with the help of the KCD. Carmelo Anthony showed off his skills at the skeeball station until one child topped Carmelo's high score with an impressive 330 points. Landry Fields and Josh Harellson hung out be the pop-a-shot basketball games giving pointers to the children and of course blocking a few shoots. The children had a blast trying to get the ball in the hoop over the outstretched arms of the 6'7 guard!
Rookie Iman Shumpert taught the children how to "dougie," but faced tough competition on the dance floor from children that could be future members of the Knicks City Kids team. Amar'e Stoudemire and other Knicks players visited various stations and took photos with the children. Each child received a photo with a Knicks player that they were able to take home from the event as well a special Garden of Dreams and Knicks gift bag filled with goodies such as hats, water bottles and t-shirts.
The party was rocked, the players enjoyed it and the children absolutely loved it! It's safe to say that the season started off on the right foot.
Let's Go Knicks!
-Edgar Montilla
