Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
LOS ANGELES, CA— Kyrie Irving took over Fan Fest during the BET Experience Presented by Walmart with the multifaceted “MORE THAN A RUN” powered by ANTA Day of curated basketball events on Friday, June 28, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Housed in the “Where Black Culture Plays” BETX village, the event featured a full day of basketball-intensive activities curated by Kyrie Irving, ANTA, More Than A Run, and A11Even Sports, creating a unique blend of sports, culture, and entertainment.
Event Highlights:
Youth Empowerment and Engagement:
Young athletes from community organizations participated in the Tribe Hélà basketball clinic, engaging in dynamic drills, games, and workouts with top coaches. This exclusive clinic provided invaluable mentorship and training to the youth, representing organizations such as Helping Hands Foundation, Brotherhood Crusade, Venice Beach Basketball, and Peace Players. Noteworthy, the USC women’s basketball team graced the event with their presence.
1v1 Tournament Excitement:
Fans were thrilled by an intense 1v1 tournament featuring their favorite YouTube sports influencers. The competition showcased high-energy performances from players like Daviohn Scarborough aka Scar, Ty Glover, Kevin Kuteyi, Javon Brazile, Josh Treadwell, Michael Harden Jr., Rob Colon, and Devante Carter, captivating the audience with their skills and charisma.
All-Star Invitational Game:
The day culminated with the More Than A Run All-Star Invitational game, where Kyrie Irving and his star-studded friends, including Jaden Hardy (Dallas Mavericks), Lonnie Walker (Brooklyn Nets), Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves), Dennis Smith Jr. (Brooklyn Nets), and GG Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies), coached a spectacular 5-on-5 pick-up game. The players’ exceptional talent and camaraderie made for an unforgettable experience, kicking off culture’s biggest weekend in grand style.
Exclusive Merchandise and Cultural Significance:
As a Fan Fest exclusive, over 100 youth participants received gear from Kyrie Irving’s collaboration with global sports icon ANTA. Attendees also got a first look at the latest shoe from his collection, the “KAI 1 Garden State.” Inspired by the lush green natural landscape of New Jersey, this fresh and vibrant colorway infused natural energy into the court, adding a personal touch that tied back to Irving’s roots.
Kyrie Irving remarked: “This event was about more than just basketball. It was about leveraging my partnerships with Anta, A11Even Sports and More Than A Run to give back to the community. It is important to me that the next generation is inspired and that we are always celebrating culture. I’m grateful to everyone who came out and those who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. Tribe Hélà is dedicated to empowering our youth, and this clinic was a perfect example of how we can make a real impact. To our fans, your support and enthusiasm fuel me and I am excited to continue this journey together.”
EVENT IMAGES HERE– photo credit, Border Boys Media.
