Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness or something to that effect. I had an opportunity to attend the New York Liberty's last game of the season two weeks ago and they were in the midst of a ten game winning streak headed to the playoffs. The Garden was rocking with a playoff like intensity that it hasn't seen in quite sometime. The Liberty had definitely taken it to the next level.
I was invited to the game by a man I had the privilege to meet a couple of months ago. His name is Jason Sealey. I decided to stray away form my original blog format and showcase him because he embodies what APM represents. He is someone who is about empowering our youth and cleaning up our community by taking it to the Next Level.
I met Mr. Sealey at the Grace Playground in East New York, Brooklyn. At first glance what intrigued me the most about him was that he taught and ran drills on the basketball court with the intensity of a college coach. I observed him all last summer running basketball drills with kids form the neighborhood with cones on the court and a whistle in his mouth. He was teaching kids basketball fundamentals, but most importantly, life fundamentals which will stick with them long after hoops are gone.Mr. Sealey coached these kids without asking for a penny. I asked Jason if I could pick his brain one day to find out what makes such a rare man as himself in these days and times. A man doing what he does from the kindness of his heart, with pure care and concern for our future (the youth), with no ulterior motives for financial gain?
Coach" as the kids call him is a native of Trinidad the southern most island in the Caribbean that lies off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. As a kid his mother was a giving person, she would bake bread for neighbors that were not as well off as his family and the spirit of nurturing and giving was embedded in him through his mom.
Jason came to the States in 1996 and started playing soccer professionally at the age of 16. He was a stellar athlete, winning numerous awards before he was sidelined in a career ending injury by a car accident in which someone ran a stop sign. Not being down on himself and leaving no time for a pity party; Jason saw the opportunity as a blessing rather than a curse and began coaching kids in his community, giving back as he saw his mother do in his youthful days. Coach Jason started Next Level Basketball Club last year. "Next Level is a family" Jason says, "My goal is to get as many kids, male and female, in college and for them to pursue their goals academically and athletically. They must have and education to go along with sports." In fact, two kids that he is presently coaching have already earned scholarships!"
Jason Sealey is amongst a dying breed in our community of people who care. If everyone in the world gave back or paid it forward no-one would be without; it would just be a continuous circle of giving. Think about that the next time you are asked to lend a helping hand. We can all take it to the Next Level.
