UNICEF's Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Jean Gough noted that Thomas's visit could not be more timely.

Washington Wizards' Etan Thomas Shaun Heasley/NBAE/Getty Images

"This visit is very opportune because it comes at a time when UNICEF is promoting the use of sport as essential for the overall development of young people," said Gough. "Sports," she added, "is an excellent way to address many of the social problems faced by young people because it helps build self esteem, respect, leadership and cooperation to prepare young people to make informed choices regarding issues confronting them, including HIV/AIDS."

Thomas' visit to Grenada is his first official visit as a UNICEF supporter. While in Grenada, he will meet with the Grenada National Basketball Association and with a group of Grenadian young people who are part of Xchange -- the Caribbean movement against violence. In addition, Thomas -- who plays for the Washington Wizards -- will also be the guest of honour at a luncheon hosted by UNICEF, St. Georges University and the Ministry of Education to recognize a group of 600 volunteers who worked in the Return to Happiness Programme which was implemented to provide psycho-social support for 10,000 children following Hurricane Ivan last year. Thomas will also pay a courtesy call on the Grenada Minister of Sport -- the Honourable Adrian Mitchell and will visit Grenada Community Development Agency (GRENCODA) community projects which teach life skills to young people.

It is expected that at the end of his visit, Thomas will have an appreciation of the issues facing Caribbean young people and that more young people will be sensitized to the importance of getting involved in sports, as part of an overall positive lifestyle. "It is an honor to help the place where my family is from," said Thomas. "I'm happy to have the opportunity to see firsthand that my donation has gone to help better the lives of the people that live in Grenada."