Former NBA point guard Jeremy Lin is starting a basketball school with the intention of inspiring the next generation of young ballers of Asian heritage.
“I’m passionate about players becoming better at basketball but I’m also probably even more passionate about Asian American kids growing up with confidence, with self-esteem, being proud to be Asian, which was something that I wasn’t growing up,” Jeremy recently told The Raptors Show.
Canadian Chinese Youth Athletic Association (CCYAA) is partnering with Jeremy and opening several programs for children with ages 3 to 16 later this year in Toronto. The curriculum would cover a wide range of topics, including character development, communication, and shooting baskets.
According to a statement made on social media by the CCYAA, the objective of the basketball school is to educate students on values and life lessons that can be applied both on and off the court.
Jeremy made history as the first-ever player of Taiwanese heritage in the NBA, and his experience throughout his formative years had a significant impact on how he currently views his identity. During some games, there were moments when supporters would yell obscenities at him about his eyes or shout the names of various Chinese takeout meals at him.
Although in the past he may not have understood the full extent of his reach, he is now dedicated to using his platform in order to uplift the community.
