On Saturday, November 26, 2016 Nike Canada sent an Internal Reporter (me!) to help capture the day's activities at the Nike Basketball Come Out of Nowhere activation.
To start, I was and still am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity that had been given to me and I'm appreciative of those by my side (along with my haters who can't live life without finding ways to ruin mine) for their support along the way.
Thank you to the team who geared me up with this dope outfit, some of which you can find on Nike. com!
Nike International Bomber, Nike Sleeveless Bonded top, Nike Bonded leggings, Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Flyknit.
The Nike Basketball Come Out of Nowhere activation was hosted for six Nike Basketball teams to inspire them to come out of nowhere this season using the learnings from Nike experts and Nike Basketball footwear and apparel they geared up in. Athletes were hosted onsite for the day, giving them access to experts from various fields, including physiotherapy and psychotherapy by Tim Grover (Trainer to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade), design by NIKEiD, and nutrition by Chef Andrew, to equip them with everything they need to be the best athlete they can be this season.
The teams also had a photo op in their uniforms, the day ended with a team dinner, Q&A between Sherman Hamilton and DeMar DeRozan, oh and of course the mannequin challenge!
It was a great experience chatting with and interviewing the athletes on their learnings of the day and what will inspire them to write their Come Out of Nowhere story.
I also got the chance to chat with and interview Toronto Raptors' very own DeMar DeRozan, a professional basketball player in the NBA. He spoke to me about his Come Out of Nowhere story and the inspiration he feels being surrounded by high school athletes again. Drafted in 2009 by the Toronto Raptors and staying loyal with the team for several more years, DeRozan is proving his doubters wrong. He is an Olympic gold medalist, All-Star, he averaged over 30 points for 8 of the 9 first games of the 2016 - 2017 NBA Season, and more. Loyal, committed, and doubted the whole way; this guy came out of nowhere.
Photo taken by DG.
What an amazing experience this has been! Not many know this but now you will, throughout my high school career, my outlet for survival and to keep me sane was heavily involving myself with extra curricular activities, volunteering, and work. The optimistic, non-stop, "no days off" attitude was a huge impact towards the person I am now and who I am growing up to be. I am grateful to know that this has allowed me to inspire other people as well.
Aside from the numerous leadership groups, being student body President, in band and all, I loved sports. Since grade school, I have involved myself with sports whether it be scorekeeping, managing teams, or playing the sport itself. In 2009 I also enjoyed recording games and taking photographs, especially in the basketball field. In 2011 I became more involved in the basketball community. Over half a year ago I decided to get in front of the camera after overcoming insecurities and trying new things as I chip away towards my end goal. Then one month ago, this happened.
To my Triple Balance family (X, Skinz, Shane, etc.), thank you for letting me be me, and giving me the freedom to do what I want. Initially with Z for asking me to score keep that tournament, but to the team for accepting my offer over five years ago to help with administrative duties, and then allowing me to practice a hobby to help the organization. Years later, and now my role with CYBL, allowing me to further express myself and my capabilities.
Coach Stone & Miss Blair "blaironair," without you two I wouldn't be doing a lot of what I do. Who knew two strangers that I met in New York would be of impact to my success? Stone, you saw in me what you see in Blair, and Blair you broke that barrier, that wall I set up for myself. Thanks to you, my confidence level of being in front of the camera has risen.
Drew, Mr. OnPointBasketball, thank you for your continuos support & for lending the mic on this day! Lifesaver!
RichieeLee, the older brother I never had! Always on the lookout & helping me grow!
To my closest friends, to everyone who has supported my grind and acknowledged my work. Without you all I would not be where I am today as a whole. I know I am getting too deep and emotional but life is tough. Some days are wonderful but others are dreadful, and there are days where I just want to end my life. If it wasn't for the constant reminders of how far I've come and what I've done, I would not be here today.