BASKETBALL

Sr. Persad has permitted for me to quote her own entries on the professional basketball players visit to Trinidad and Tobago sponsored by the Church.

Sunday 1st September, 1991

Jeff Chatman attended church at the Port of Spain Branch. He bore testimony in sacrament meeting and told of his conversion to the Church. He talked to the primary children during 'sharing time', after which he spoke to the Relief Society sisters. Jeff then visited with the seminary students and other members who stayed to listen and learn from him. He made a great impression on the members of the Branch with his , love and kindness. Sunday evening Danny and Michelle Ainge, Greg Kite, Scott Runia, and Brs. Pond and Evans from the Church Public Relations Department arrived in Trinidad.

Monday 2nd September, 1991

Greg Kite, Jeff Chatman, Br. Pond and Elder and Sr. Rasmussen went out to Sangre Grande for basketball players and coaches clinics. 'There were few in attendance at the beginning of the sessions at 10:00am, but more participants and observers gradually gathered until there were about 193 people in attendance. Sr. Indra Ramoutar, a member of the Sangre Grande Branch invited the Pros for lunch. The afternoon teaching showed an easy 200 people present. Jeff and Greg were patient and personable, and the young people enjoyed their instructions. President and Sr. Toolson visited San Fernando (to the basketball courts) with Danny and Michelle Ainge, Br. Evans and Scott Runia. The turnout was poor, with about six basketball players being present, most of them being the members of the Branch in San Fernando. Monday evening the players went to Port of Spain for an interview, Ruskin Mark on Radio Station 610. It was an excellent interview, although there were not many call-ins During the interview Danny's chair broke under him, and he fell to the floor. He was heard over the broadcast as saying, " Is there a lawyer in the house ?" while lying on the floor. There was much laughter from his friends in the background.

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Tuesday 3rd September, 1991

President and Sr. Toolson, Michelle and Danny Ainge, and Scott Runia went to Port of Spain for clinics. Adequate preparation and publicity had preceded then, and there was a good attendance making it successful. Jeff Chatman, Greg Kite and Elder and Sr. Rasmussen went to Arima for the sessions there. A number of coaches were there in the morning and afternoon. They had lunch at the home of coach Eden Noriega. In the evening a fireside was held at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex at 7:00p.m. About 200 people were there of which the majority were members. This was an exceptionally fine meeting, principally because these four athletes are exceptional young men. They shared testimonies and experiences that lifted the spirits of those present. After the meeting the visitors were besieged by people who wanted to talk to them, shake their hands and take pictures.

Wednesday 4th September, 1991

The Pros along with Pres. and Sr. Toolson and Elder and Sr. Rasmussen flew to Tobago. Upon arrival at 9:30am they were met by Mr. Robert Amar, an important bus executive in Trinidad and Tobago as well as a great sports fan, greeted the visitors. Mr. Leacock of the Ministry of Sports had made arrangements for the visit to Tobago. The party was taken to the Palm Tree Village where they stayed. The basketball clinic began at 2:00pm at a local outdoor court. There was a large turnout. The four athletes took groups in rotation and taught them different skills. Afterwards Pres. Toolson spoke to all participants and the grandstand audience about the purpose of the NBA star's visit and something about the Church. He then gave away basketballs, T-shirts, basketball posters and cards. The day was of historic significance for the Church, since it was the first step in opening up Tobago for the preaching of the Gospel. Later in the evening big Greg Kite tried to limbo at the Turtle Beach Hotel along with others after being invited by the MC. He towered over everyone else and onlookers cheered him.

Thursday 5th September, 1991

The Nylon Pool, Buccoo Reef and Pigeon Point Beach were some of the attractive places visited by the Pros. Mr. George Leacock was there to make sure everything went well.
The evening saw the players back in Port of Spain playing an exhibition basketball game played against the National team of Trinidad & Tobago at the National Stadium. The Pros, with a few club players to fill the ranks showed how good they really are. The game was a 'runaway', then Danny Ainge (the coach) began to substitute freely, using all the T & T players.
At half-time Danny conducted a slam-dunk contest among the Trinidadians. The final score was 107 - 87 in favor of the NBA ! A crowd of about 300 viewed the game. At the end of the game the Pros gave away shoes, basketballs, T-shirts and other items. Everyone wanted a memento and finally took off his own shoes and gave them away !

Friday 6th September, 1991

The visitors rested enjoying South Trinidad with Sr. Pamela Persad and Maracas beach up north.
The evening brought a large reception held at the Hilton Hotel ballroom for all Church members, invited guests, and dignitaries. It turned out to be a very lovely affair. The Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and the Creative Arts, Jennifer Johnson, was present for most of the evening, along with other influential people. President Toolson spoke and presented gift plaques to the athletes, who each responded briefly.

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Saturday 7th September, 1991

The Pros then departed in the early morning for various destinations. It is believed that the activities of this full, busy and exciting week will open many doors to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this country.

The Church news had an article on the visit.

"We came over here to show that Mormons are just normal everyday people. At the same time we came to talk about the Church and our testimonies",

said Danny Ainge. The local articles in the newspapers provided to me by Sr. Persad seemed to be positive towards the Church. It is great to belong to a Church where even the famous members don't think themselves too 'high' to give freely of themselves in the service of the Lord.

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