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In the framework of the NBA Global Games in Mexico City to take place on December 12 and 14 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico , the Detroit Pistons hosted a basketball clinic to benefit Special Olympics in the capital of the country.
Before their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks , the Pistons players and coaches joined the efforts of NBA Cares , the league’s global social responsibility program that builds on the NBA’s mission of addressing important social issues in the U.S. and around the world.
According to its official website , NBA Cares “works with internationally recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth, and family development, and health-related causes.”
After a light practice and drills in front of a small audience at Mexico City Arena , the Pistons met the children from the Special Olympics and teenagers from the NBA Academy Latin America in the court.
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“It’s huge pride, especially from Detroit. We’re not the L.A. team or New York team or a San Antonio team that’s very popular here. We’re representing the Detroit Pistons organization, who has three championships under our belt,” said Coach Dwane Casey . “We’re a prideful basketball city and to represent that is huge and to represent the NBA is huge here.
“We want to spread the brand and let fans know we have a quality team too and hope to be building something special here and let that be known in Mexico .”
Participants had the opportunity to work on different basketball skills while players cheered on them and taught them different moves.
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During the event, the Pistons came up with a game: each time a child made a free basket, the Jr. NBA team members had to do five push-ups.
“It's awesome to know we have fans in other countries,” Kennard said. “The way this game is continuing to spread worldwide , it’s a really exciting thing and for us to be a part of it really means a lot.”
“These are the events that you look forward to the most,” said Pistons forward Blake Griffin .
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“It’s not every day they get to see NBA players ,” said Andre Drummond . “It’s not every day they get a chance to see any of this. Just to be in a nice facility, shooting basketballs, dribbling, and having a great time with their peers.”
A small boy in a wheelchair was thrilled when his turn to shoot came and bounced a pass to Blake Griffin, who was quick and banked in a short jumper. Happy with his assist, the boy told him “ good job ” in Spanish.
“For me, this is a little more personal,” admitted Drummond . “This touches home for me because I am a global ambassador for Special Olympics . It’s a humbling experience to be out here and just shed some light on these kids and spend some moments with them.”
Earlier that same morning, NBA Academy prospects could not believe they would spend time with the players. Esteban Roacho , a 17-year-old from the northern city of Chihuahua, was all smiles after meeting Rose, his favorite player.
“Our dream feels bigger when we’re here with them in the arena,” Roacho said. “I’ve wanted to be in the league since I was a little kid.”
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