Jamming with the NBA!

 by Sharon Edwards

"I feel like a celebrity! Or a basketball star," exclaimed a young girl with tears of joy on her face as she journeyed down the red carpet entrance in her wheelchair to loud cheers and exchanges of high fives. The All-Star NBA Jam Session held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 12-16. 2004 was an exciting place to be elevated to celebrity status.

After entering the South Hall of the Convention Center, enthusiastic NBA Hoop fans scattered to participate in some of their most favorite NBA Jam Session activities. Little ones dragged their parents to the LEGO Creative Play Zone, the Cartoon Network Hoop Hop and Build-A-Bear Workshop. The elementary and middle school crowd seemed to enjoy the interactive activities featuring some of their favorite NBA Stars including

Reading to Achieve with Derek Fisher and Tayshaun Prince.  Several more ran off to play at the ESPN Video Arcade, the Microsoft Xbox Truck or the Midway Sports Video Arcade while others worked on creating their own personalized Sports Trading Card. 

Several High School NBA fans sporting their favorite jerseys found their way to Club NBA where there could find some of their favorite entertainers like Sean Paul, Nappy Roots, and Nelly. 

Adults seemed to be reliving their childhood memories. You could see them showcasing their Got Milk? moustaches or participating in the NBA Skills Challenge Court.  Parents browsed through NBA stores and toured the NBA Photo gallery.  All ages made their way to Center Court to watch the Celebrity Shoot Out and the NBA’ Dunked Slam Dunk Contest featuring, Bill Bellamy, Bow Wow, DJ Clue, Nick Carter, Nelly, Boris Kudjoe and more.   There were so many courts to get your game on.  Participants had an opportunity to improve their game with Lisa Leslie. Some of the legends of basketball were in attendance signing autographs. Crowds gathered around to watch sportscasters Jim Hill and Fred Roggin conduct interviews with various NBA Players.  Priceless were the faces of men and women, boys and girls, tots and grandparents attempting to make as many baskets in order to beat the 30 second buzzer. The All-Star Basketball Jam Session was all about NBA Hoop Fans with NBA Hoop dreams.

Sharon Edwards, Expo Special Events Coordinator, was one of many volunteers that helped the NBA All Star weekend run smoothly at the L.A. Convention Center and other venues and we thank her for her report.  Tasche Williams and Gerald Alexander also gave favorable reports of the event.  What a weekend that was! To comment, email her by clicking here.

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