March Madness is just a few weeks away but before a month of buzzer beaters and dramaic upsets a local basketball player, Abby Redick of Drexel University, will be leading the way with a 3-on-3 tournament for charity. The Philadelphia Heart of Our World 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held at The Armory at Drexel University on Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. For more info click here. http://philly3on3.eventbrite.com/#
Abby Redick came to Philly last after transferring to Drexel from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. I was able to catch up with her and ask about this event she came up with.
Charlie Flowe, “How are you linked to ‘Heart of Our World’ ?”
Abby Redick, “I met Patrick Liengueu, the founder, in high school through a mutual friend briefly. Patrick used to play basketball at Colgate University in NY. A few years ago, he started this non profit Heart of Our World to help improve the conditions in his roots in Cameroon, Africa. When I decided to do this event, I immediately thought of Patrick and Heart of Our World because to the tie between education, athletics, and health. Heart of Our World helps to improve the health and education conditions of the youth in West Africa.”
CF, “How are you liking Philly and Drexel?”
AR, “I have really come to love Philadelphia and Drexel. The city is a lot of fun and the community and family at Drexel has been awesome. After transferring from another program, I truly feel that the Drexel athletic community truly is a family and truly embodies what being a part of an athletics department should be all about.”
CF, “When did you come up with the idea to set up this 3 on 3 event for Heart of Our World?”
AR, “I am a communications major at Drexel with a concentration in public relations. This is my last term of my undergraduate degree. A part of the curriculum of my major is to do a final senior project that incorporates what you’ve learned over the course of your time at Drexel. I decided to do this 3 on 3 tournament and incorporate many communication methods that I have learned as well as ones that I have come to learn through this process. Why the 3 on 3? Because I love basketball and thought it was a great way for people to come together and raise money for Heart of Our World where all of the proceed will be going to.”
CF, “How did you get the sponsors involved in this event?
AR, “I got the sponsors by contacting people I knew and people who people I knew, knew.”
The sponsors for the tournament include: The JJ Redick Foundation, Kampus Klothes, Sloane (Champion) Toyota, Vanderstyne Toyota, Steven Starr Restaurants, Baby Blues, Jimmy John’s, Cavanaugh’s Bar & Restaurant, and Artistic Video & Sound.
CF, “Why is it important for players such as yourself to give back?”
AR, “I feel that it is important to give back to your community and in this case communities worldwide that aren’t as fortunate as some of us in the United States. As human beings, we should be willing to devote time and service to others, it is part of what makes the world go around. I find joy in giving back and am very thankful for everyone who is contributing to this great cause. The event is going to be a lot of fun!”
CF, “Any trick moves or plays up your selve for Sunday? or are they top secret?
Ha ha I won’t be playing on Sunday because we are in season, but if we weren’t then I just may have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
CF, “I saw you have some pretty good food vendors lined up……how tempting is the food Philadelphia during your sesaon…like cheese steaks, crab fries…….burgers…hoiages...?”
AR, “Haha I actually am a pretty healthy eater. I don’t really eat too much gluten or dairy and stay pretty far away from those foods. I do love some of the great restaurants in the city I’ve gotten to go to though. Some of my favorites are Barbuzzo, Jamonera, Buddkhan, Osteria for dinner and Green Eggs, Continental, and Sabrina’s for a good breakfast or brunch.”
’Heart of Our World’ site is here www.heartofourworld.org, please help if you can.
