Send this page to someone via email

Sunday was a great day for young basketball players taking part in Community Gym day at the Tony Proudfoot gymnasium in Montreal.

Montreal-native and NBA star, Joel Anthony, came back to his old stomping grounds at Dawson College to give the youngsters, ages nine to 13 years old, a few tips.

“It’s very nostalgic to be back here,” Anthony said.

“I never thought I would have the opportunity to make a career for myself and to share my experiences with these kids,—to give back.”

Anthony wasn’t just there to teach the kids a few fancy moves, he was also there to share some life skills.

“We’re trying to build up the community,” Anthony said. “[The kids will] be able to work on their basketball skills, but they’re also going to be able to work on team-building skills.” Tweet This

Story continues below advertisement

There were even craft stations so the kids could work on their creativity.

Anthony was amazed at their energy level and said the kids were full of questions.

His message to them: “Dream big and stay focused on what you want to do.”

The day was organized by Tangerine as part of the #BrightWayForward campaign.

The sponsorship and community investment program focuses on building up confident, optimistic individuals in the hopes they’ll serve as future role models in the community.

On top of meeting and getting to shoot hoops with a home-grown hero, the participants were treated to a performance by UNITY Charity, a group committed to empowering youth through positive expression.