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HARTFORD, Conn. – The Boston Celtics preseason schedule noted two trips to Hartford, Conn. this October – one for an exhibition game against the division rival New York Knicks and a second for a visit to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Hartford’s North End.
The visit marked the second consecutive year of the Celtics and Optum teamed up to give back to the local community as part of the partnership’s pledge to “Make a Difference through Volunteering.” In conjunction with NBA Cares week, over one hundred Optum and Celtics employees united for a day of service.
The morning started with a high-energy pep rally in the gymnasium with special guests, including Celtics team president Rich Gotham, Optum chief growth officer Mike Matteo, congressman John Larson, Hartford public schools chief operating officer Donald Slater, principal Dr. Doreen Crawford, Celtics mascot Lucky, Celtics legends Dana Barros and Leon Powe, and Celtics dancers.
Tipping things off was the district-wide drill team, who took the audience by storm with a breathtaking performance.
With the bleachers still rocking, the attention was turned to welcoming remarks from Principal Crawford.
“Words cannot express how thankful we are and how excited we are for today,” she said. “Thank you everyone for taking the time to give back to our school.”
Following the warm welcome Larson chimed in to thank both the Celtics and Optum on behalf of the city and the state of Connecticut.
Next up, Gotham and Matteo touched on the unique partnership and the shared goal of both parties to work together for the betterment of the greater New England community.
Students were in for one last treat as Lucky appeared for a dunk show. Applause grew louder with every high flying dunk. Cheers became even louder during Lucky’s final number, as he dunked over the school’s principal.
At the conclusion of the pep rally, volunteer projects were in full swing as volunteers worked together to paint wall murals, renovate two basketball courts, build storage cubbies and create interactive playground graphics for the youth.
With volunteers hard at work, Lucky slipped away for a while to visit each of the classrooms. Students cheered as a knock on the door to interrupt class turned into a surprise visit from Lucky himself.
Back in the gymnasium, Barros and Powe took over physical education class for the day and ran basketball clinics. At the conclusion of each, the two took a second to speak to the youth about the importance of goal setting and preserving against adversity.
“When I was a kid I thought everything was just going to come to me,” reflected Powe. “Every morning wake up and attack each day as a new opportunity to become the young lady or man you want to be.”
As the final school bell rang for the day, a select group of students filtered outside to participate in a cornerstone project that embodies the school’s code of ethics. The students were excited to receive a helping hand from Celtics players Phil Pressey, Dwight Powell and James Young.
Even though the youth were diligently working to complete the task at hand, a few students couldn’t help but stare at the newly renovated outdoor basketball courts. One student described the transformation to Young.
“It is amazing man, you wouldn’t believe what that court looked like this morning,” exclaimed the student. “The lines were all faded and trees were overgrown. Cannot wait to get out there and play.”
Once the project was complete, the students and Celtics players walked over to the courts to soak in the renovation.
For just an added touch of inspiration the trio all signed their names at half court, with Pressey putting a final stamp of approval by inscribing, “When you get the opportunity, take the shot.”
To close out the day, Pressey, Powell and Young joined Jerry Daly of Optum for a final thank you to volunteers.
“On behalf of Optum, the Celtics and my teammate thank you for taking the time to be here today” addressed Pressey. “You made an impression on this school and the kids here today. I was once in these students’ shoes and while they may not realize it now, one day they will look back and truly appreciate the work you all did today.”
With the sun setting quickly behind the school, a few students used the final seconds of daylight to get in a few more shots while the players headed back to Boston to prepare for Opening Night.