Johannesburg, S.A – Only four days into spring and it felt more like mid-summer as the temperature unusually hit the high 80’s today in Johannesburg.

Bruce Bowen, who also attended last years’ BWB Africa, was joined by Primoz Brezec (Charlotte Bobcats), Josh Childress (Atlanta Hawks), and Steve Smith for what proved to be a dramatic emotional journey at the Apartheid Museum.

‘The triumph of the Human Spirit over Adversity’

Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party government implemented the policy of Apartheid which turned 20 million people into second class citizens, damning them to a life of servitude, humiliation and abuse. Apartheid is the state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.

Their liberation in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela, the political prisoner who became president, is a climax in the saga of a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude.

The NBA players, who were joined by coaches Melvin Hunt (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Milt Newton (Washington Wizards) saw first hand the rise and fall of apartheid through film footage, photographs and artifacts that illustrated the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga known as apartheid.

‘Words cannot begin to describe quite how I am feeling right now’ said a visibly moved Bowen. ‘This stuff…you cannot begin to appreciate the enormity of the apartheid regime through books or school lessons. Only by being here does it truly bring it home.’

The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own.

Later during the day, Josh Childress and Primoz Brezec played off against campers at the American International School in a specially organized EA Sports gaming tournament.

Campers then had an early night looking forward to the official opening of the camp tomorrow.