On Saturday, September 21, Qatar Airways and the Brooklyn Nets held a back-to-school party at Barclays Center for approximately 100 children from MS 354. The elementary school-aged children from Brooklyn were joined by Brooklyn Nets players Spencer Dinwiddie, Dzanan Musa and Theo Pinson. As the Official Global Airline Partner of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, Qatar Airways is thrilled to be giving back to the children of its host community.
Throughout the day, the children participated in multiple cross-cultural experiences including a video booth where they recorded special messages to be shared with the Oryx International School in Doha as part of a new pen pal initiative. They were also taught the importance of healthy eating for growing minds by chefs from Qatar Airways and Levy Restaurants, the official food and beverage partner of Barclays Center. The back to school event would not be complete without special performances by the Brooklynettes and a station where the MS 354 children learned how to improve their basketball skills from the Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy clinicians. Lastly, to prepare them for the new school year, the children were gifted co-branded backpacks, water bottles, wristbands, basketball shorts, and an assortment of educational books specifically curated for the event.
At the back-to-school party, the children also had the unique opportunity to play “knockout” accompanied by Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Two lucky winners of the tournament were awarded four tickets each to a 2019-20 regular season Nets game, including access to the exclusive Qatar Airways Club. Following the games, the children had a one-on-one question and answer session with Dinwiddie.
The hope is that this event inspires the children who attended to start the new school year off strong while motivating them to maintain a healthy mind and body that fosters growth on and off the court. Qatar Airways, the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center emphasize the importance of education and continuously seek opportunities to showcase its viability to local communities.