NEW YORK KNICKS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE VISITS THE BRONX
New York, NY (March 11, 2013) – The New York Knickerbockers community initiative Basketball in the Boroughs presented by Chase will visit and celebrate the Bronx in March. The month will tip-off with a free basketball clinic for 100 youth at St. Mary’s Recreation Center attended by Knicks great Larry Johnson, former St. John’s star Felipe Lopez and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. As part of the program, the Knicks and Chase will also fund the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Recreation Center, repairing bleachers, making improvements to the scoreboard and resurfacing the gym floor.
Knicks “Basketball in the Boroughs Presented by Chase” Visits the Bronx
March 13 – Free Basketball Clinic
4pm-6pm: St. Mary’s Recreation Center
Appearances by Knicks great Larry Johnson, former St. John’s star Felipe Lopez and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
March 19 – Chase Branch Visits
12pm-2pm: 2126 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462
Appearances by Knicks legend John Starks
4pm-6pm: 3775 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Appearances by Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni and forward Chris Copeland
March 20 – Bronx Theme Night at Madison Square Garden: Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
In addition to the free basketball clinic, the Knicks and Chase will host Chase branch visits in the Bronx with appearances by current players, alumni, Knicks City Dancers, and a chance for fans to win exclusive Knicks prizes and tickets. The month-long celebration will culminate with a Bronx Theme Night at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks game on March 20 against the Orlando Magic. The New School for Leadership and Arts Chorus from MS244 will perform the national anthem, while Bronx native Pete Rock will serve as the guest DJ, performing pregame and halftime sets. The night will also feature video recaps dedicated to the borough and a halftime Jr. Knicks game with players from a local Bronx YMCA.
The Knicks, Chase and City of New York Parks & Recreation launched Basketball in the Boroughs presented by Chase in December. The community initiative, which began in Queens, followed by Staten Island and Brooklyn, will serve thousands of youth within the five boroughs.