On the afternoon of October 20th, the New York Knicks Youth Team held a free basketball clinic for Asian American youth in Brooklyn, featuring coaches, players, and former NBA star Larry Johnson. The event, organized through months of planning by State Senator John Liu and the New York Chinese American Athletic Association (NYCAAA), attracted around 150 young participants from diverse backgrounds, primarily of Asian descent.

The clinic took place at FDR High School, located at 5799 19th Avenue in Brooklyn. During her speech, Senator Liu expressed her delight in facilitating such an opportunity for the children, emphasizing that this basketball training camp not only taught valuable skills and sportsmanship but also provided a fun weekend experience. She extended her gratitude to the Knicks Youth Team and the NYCAAA for their collaboration. Additionally, Liu announced a $3,000 grant for the association, encouraging them to continue their efforts in organizing more enriching sports activities for the community.

Participants practiced various basketball techniques under the guidance of several Knicks Youth coaches and Larry Johnson himself. The former Knicks star received a warm welcome from the attendees, greeting them in Mandarin with a cheerful “你好” (“Hello”). Throughout the event, Johnson took pictures with the youth and signed autographs, emphasizing that the clinic aimed to help young athletes enhance their basketball skills. He encouraged all aspiring basketball players to train diligently in order to improve.

Zhao Liyan, president of the NYCAAA, remarked that this was a rare opportunity for youth to learn basketball. He highlighted the months of preparation alongside Senator Liu’s office that led to the event’s success, noting that they reached the registration limit with 150 children aged 6 to 14. Zhao also expressed his appreciation for the $3,000 grant from Senator Liu, assuring that the funds would be used to benefit community sports activities.