Samaritan Village Veterans Participate in “Hoops for Troops”

Ten veterans from Samaritan Village’s Veterans Residential Treatment Programs met some of basketballs’ greatest legends at the “Hoops for Troops” event on November 6, 2014 at Pace University. Sponsored by the New York Knicks in collaboration with PlayStation, the event featured a free basketball clinic as well as a food and coat drive to benefit military veterans in need or without homes.

New York Knicks Legends Walt Frazier and Earl “the Pearl” Monroe highlighted a “meet and greet” session complete with autographs and photos.  Retired members of the WNBA’s New York Liberty team such as Theresa “T-Spoon” Weatherspoon and the Knicks City Dancers also took part. There were basketball shooting games, free hot dogs and pretzels, and contests for prizes and raffles including Knicks game tickets. Several attendees from Samaritan Village’s Edward Thompson and 43rd Street Veterans Residential Programs won autographed basketballs, T-shirts and hats.

Samaritan Village Program Manager Leslie Davis, who organized the outing and escorted the clients, said, “The event was a positive outlet for the clients, and a great way to get into the spirit of Veterans Day. Some of these men appreciated being recognized for their military service. Most of all, it was encouraging for them to know that through sobriety unique experiences such as this is possible.”