Imagine walking into your usual hangout at the Long Beach Boys & Girls Club at the John & Alice Wallace Petrolane Center to play some basketball and seeing not only a newly refurbished court but also two superstars there to greet you.
That’s exactly what happened to some kids on Tuesday when they walked into the center. While they knew they were getting a new court, they had no idea they would be meeting rapper Snoop Dogg and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Willie McGinest, a Poly High graduate and all-pro NFL linebacker, also joined in on the unveiling and fun that followed. Videos that highlight the day can be found on Curry’s Instagram page.
A Surprise Visit and Fun Day the Kids Will Never Forget
Radio host and DJ Emcee Big Boy introduced the celebs when they entered the court, while applause filled the air from the kids and invited guests. “This is the same court where I learned to do layups,” Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, Jr., 51, said. “This is the place where I learned how to play basketball, play football, be active in the community. It’s where I learned to rap, talk and just be me basically. To come back and see the kids doing different things, trying to be better than we were – that’s what it’s all about.” Snoop grew up in Central Long Beach not far from the Petrolane Center and was a member of the Boys & Girls Club when he was younger.
Giving Back to the Community in a Fun and Meaningful Way
NBA champion Curry told everyone he was honored to be there and thanked Snoop for his support. “This is the beginning of, hopefully, an amazing journey for you, not just in sports but in life,” Curry told the kids. “We want to provide a space where you can come enjoy yourself and get lost in the fun, lost in the competition, invest in yourselves. We want to provide that for you through Curry Brand.”
Curry’s Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, helped to unveil the refurbished court that comic book artist Damion Scott helped redesign. Local youth also contributed to the artwork at the onsite “Find Your Inner Superhero” mural.
Shooting Around with the Superstars
During the event, the kids broke into groups and enjoyed some basketball drills. They also got to watch the two stars shoot around. Curry demonstrated some of his well-known basketball skills while shooting with the kids. “Those kids were unbelievable. They are the best,” Curry said after all the fun.
Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Long Beach Boys & Girls Clubs, said, “This was a terrific gift to these kids. What a great day for everyone.” He estimated that the cost to refurbish the gym was $250,000. “Just seeing the joy on the faces of all those children makes everything worthwhile,” he said.