On Thursday April 21st, 2011, history was made in Atlanta, GA as Converse and Julius “Dr. J” Erving, unveiled an outdoor basketball court in historic Piedmont Park.
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| Dr. J speaks to kids in Atlanta. |
Along with Dr. J, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell were in attendance to help kick off the festivities. Converse opened one full court and one half court, with the Converse logo emblazoned on both. Through Converse’s
HOOPAtlanta Bounce Back program, Converse has donated over 5,000 basketballs to schools in Fulton and DeKalb Counties. Before the official unveiling of the courts, friends and family were treated to basketball games played by Converse’s
Open Gym with some of the kids of Atlanta. Open Gym has helped change the lives of over 50,000 kids nationwide, with nearly 17,000 in the metro Atlanta area.
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| the donated courts logo |
Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer of Converse had this to say:
“Converse is thrilled to celebrate basketball and the donation of these courts with Piedmont Park Conservancy, as they continue to implement their Master Plan to enhance the park for future generations. We (Converse) have enjoyed working with the City of Atlanta over the past few years to help inspire children through the game of basketball, and are happy that basketball is now part of this beautiful, historic park.”
Mayor Kasim Reed:
“By participating in sports and engaging in regular physical fitness activities, our young people get much-needed exercise and develop important social skills, such as teamwork and cooperation.”
There were numerous former basketball players in attendance including one of the NBA’s most historic three point shooters, Dale Ellis.
After speaking about his life growing up, Dr. J and Mayor Reed officially opened up the court with a tip-off with some of the Open Gym kids and then Dr. J took a couple of jumpers.
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| Games begin on the new courts! |
Source: AP
