The NBA's Basketball Without Borders Asia program was held in Shanghai, China during June 9-11, 2006. This was the second consecutive year that the NBA Care's held it's community outreach program in Asia, and on June 9 was also the consecutive second year that the NBA kicked off the program with a basketball skills clinic for Special Olympics athletes.

NBA Player Samuel Dalembert helps a smaller athlete score a basket

This year's clinic featured NBA players Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Childress (USA), Toronto Raptors center Matt Bonner (USA), Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity, Houston Rockets guard Richie Frahm (USA), Portland Trail Blazers center Ha Seung-Jin (South Korea) and Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert. NBA veterans Sam Perkins and Jerome Williams, Mike Wilhelm of the Chicago Bulls, Hank Egen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tom Abdenour of the Golden State Warriors also participate, with Houston Rockets assistant coach Dean Cooper as camp director.

The players taught over 100 Special Olympics athletes from Shanghai different basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting and passing. The clinic ended with a spectacular 5-on-5 all-star games that included athletes representing Shanghai at the upcoming Special Olympics China National Games in Harbin (July 29-August 5, 2006).

NBA Player Ha Seung-Jin is impressed by the skills displayed by Special Olympics athletes during the 5-on-5 all-star game

Special Olympics Global Messenger Xu Chuang was also present to thank the NBA for their wonderful support in including Special Olympics in their Basketball Without Borders Asia program, and to invite the NBA to see more Special Olympics athletes in action during the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai during October 2-11, 2007.

Special Olympics Global Messenger Xu Chuang thanks the NBA

All of the athletes had a fun time improving their basketball skills from the professionals. At the same time, the athletes, especially those in the 5-on-5 game, impressed the NBA players with the skills they already had, thanks to ongoing Special Olympics training.

Immediately following the clinic, a gift exchange took place with NBA players giving McDonald's gift bags to the athletes, and athletes giving art crafts they made themselves to the players. McDonald's was the sponsor for this particular NBA Care's event, as well as a long-time sponsor for Special Olympics. The athletes were also excited when Ronald McDonald came to greet them at the start of the clinic.

A Special Olympics athlete exchanges gifts with NBA players

The NBA has also given Special Olympics athletes in China opportunities to participate in their Jam Van activities around the country. We thank the NBA for this and all the other opportunities they have given our athletes around the world!