By Josh CohenOct. 24, 2015
ORLANDO – It wasn’t too long ago that Elfrid Payton was developing his basketball skills at parks and schoolyards in southeast Louisiana. Like it is for pretty much all NBA players who grew up in the United States, those countless hours out on the court were important for Payton’s confidence and devotion to the game.
Now, Payton is the one making sure today’s children are given the opportunity to enjoy the game he loves so dearly. Payton, along with many others from the Orlando Magic, teamed up with Chase on Saturday to unveil a newly refurbished basketball court at Three Points Elementary School in Orlando. To test out the new court, Payton also conducted a mini Jr. Magic clinic for the students as part of the Jr. NBA Week celebration.
“Every community should have a place where kids can go and have a good time and learn the game,” Payton said. “The kids are the future and we need to do a good job giving them a chance of being successful.”
Saturday’s court renovation marks the seventh time the Magic and Chase have joined forces to refurbish a community sports facility. Last season, Tobias Harris helped undrape a brand new court at Engelwood Elementary School.
Those who attended and participated in the festivities on Saturday also got a chance to honor Hispanic Heritage while celebrating Jr. NBA Week. In addition to the mini Jr. Magic clinic on Three Points’ new court, the Magic, along with its players and coaches, hosted three Jr. Magic clinics in Central Florida for more than 300 children on Oct. 22. The Magic joined the other 29 NBA teams by hosting youth basketball events in their communities during the week. In total, more than 100 events were held as part of Jr. NBA week.
And being coached by one of their favorite Magic players wasn’t the only treat for the students at Three Points. Payton, along with Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, also helped teach the children some important basketball drills during the Jr. Magic minicamp. The school was also surprised with $2,500 worth of physical education equipment.
“Today’s event was super important for the community here at Three Points Elementary School,” said Principal Jessica Abrew. “I believe this will help us become more fit as a school. My scholars all participated in the Magic Fit Program and I know that having a beautiful basketball court will encourage them to be more fit, be more active and participate in PE.”
As Champion of the Community partners, the Magic and Chase have been working together on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. Their goal is to refurbish 10 total basketball courts in the area. The completed courts include: Pine Hills Elementary, Pinar Elementary, John H. Bridges Community Center, Mollie Ray Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Engelwood Elementary and Three Points Elementary.
The two are working to support local communities and to celebrate the Magic’s multicultural platforms, including the Magic’s Black History Month presented by Chase and Noche Latina presented by Chase.
“Our partnership is really important to us because we also have a passion for doing work off the court as do they (the Magic),” said Ann Reinert, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility with Chase. “Being able to provide these courts to well-deserved students is just a great opportunity for us.”
