Spring Please Show Up
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Mission Statement
Creating Opportunities for Mid-South youth through community outreach, education and sport development.
Dream Big.
After moving to Memphis from Denver, Colorado I looked forward to a mild winter, but from what I have been hearing, the South is experiencing one of its coldest winters in years. The good news is that the forecast is showing a warming trend. During the past cold spell, the Grizzlies have worked hard to warm the hearts of Memphis area youth.
Grizzlies House 5th Anniversary Celebration
The Memphis Grizzlies celebrated the 5th anniversary of Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a visit to the patients and families staying there on Thursday, February 5. Standing on the basketball court outside of Grizzlies House awaiting the arrival of a few of the Grizzlies players, I was shooting some baskets when someone behind me said, “can I see that ball?” I turned around, surprised to see O.J. Mayo. He had arrived to partake in the 5th anniversary celebration and shoot some baskets with the patients. It was the first time I had been to Grizzlies House. I was very impressed with the facility, particularly the inviting atmosphere and the basketball themed décor.
One the most endearing moments of the day came when a young patient with a glowing smile strolled over to Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, sat on his lap and put her arm around him. The little girl had become friends with Gasol since doing a photo shoot for St. Jude a few weeks back. In addition, Gasol picked up several other youngsters so that they could do their best NBA slam dunk impersonations. View more photos of Marc, OJ, Greg Buckner and Marko Jaric having fun with the patients at Grizzlies House.
Get Fit with the Grizzlies
A great number of Memphis area 4th and 5th graders are participating in the Get Fit with the Grizzlies program. To help combat the growing childhood obesity problem, the Memphis Grizzlies created the Get Fit program, which is designed to teach kids about getting active, eating right, and making healthy choices in life. Sponsored by Cargill and the Memphis Heart Clinic, the program reaches thousands of Mid-South students. More information on the Get Fit with the Grizzlies Program.
Inspired by the success of the Get Fit with the Grizzlies program with area youth, the Grizzlies staff has begun an employee fitness challenge. There has been some friendly banter around the office in regards to staff members claiming that they will win the challenge, but only time will tell as to which staff member will become the Get Fit Champion.
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