About 200 congregated at Shalhevet’s new Sport Court starting at 10:30 a.m. last Sunday, March 21, to celebrate the creation of the school’s first professional sporting area and thank the donors who made it possible.
To commemorate the unveiling of the new donor wall on the eastern side of the arena, Shalhevet brought in three of the famous Harlem Globetrotters and provided free brunch and carnival food to those who attended.
“This was organized to show the donors that the kids are utilizing the sport court to its full extent,” said administrator Matt Weintraub, “and I believe it was successful in that goal.”
At the beginning of the event, attendees gathered on the court to watch the Globetrotters dribble, pass, and shoot in their trademark, trick-filled fashion. The players taught many of their tricks to volunteers from the audience; parents, students, and faculty of all ages took advantage of the opportunity.
“It is always good to have participation and interaction with the kids,” said Globetrotter Craig Martin, “I had a good time, especially when we were challenged by the groups of kids.”
Judaic Studies teacher Mr. Gabe Meyerson learned how to spin the ball on his finger, while others found out how to spin the ball around their arms and body and how to catch a ball with different parts of their bodies. Towards the end of their clinic, they also took on groups of three kids in short basketball games.
Later, board member Karen Halaszi, mother of senior Josh Halaszi, introduced Rabbi Weinbach, who offered a short Dvar Torah about the education of children. Rabbi Weinbach then called all the children to assist him in the actual unveiling of the wall.
Throughout the event, kids of all ages played on the basketball hoops of varying heights, and towards the end, children were encouraged to participate in a dunk contest, which was won by high-school sophomore Eitan Spitzer.
Despite the recent announcement of the closure of Shalhevet’s lower schools, the celbratory mood of the event seemed unscathed.
“They looked like they had a lot of fun”, said parent David Nimmer, “and I believe it was a smashing success.”
