Some of them did not even know what basketball was all about, some of them only learned a couple of things after the first few meetings.
They started by asking us to see the players from the EuroLeague team, who are very tall compared to these kids. As in fairy tales, their dream became true, even before they culd realize it.
After learning what basketball is all about, how to play as a team, which are the main rules of the game, learning how to play with no tensions, they have been finally able to ask a thousand questions to a player who they usually only see on their TV screens.
They were very happy, you could read it in their faces, even a little embarrassed, when a player like Amedeo Della Valle entered the hallway from the small
door of the gym.
He turned to them naturally and did not pull back in front of a hug or a classic “high five”. That day will remain unforgettable for everybordy. The player wearing number 00 for the Olimpia Milano basketball team, gave everyone a little hope. When gathered in a circle the children began to ask a thousand questions: who is your best friend, what color do you like best, the most difficult basketball move thay you learned etc. Nobody pulled back, everyone tried to understand something about that tall tall boy who seemed so kind and familiar. An hour of playing basketball followed, and Amedeo Della Valle, the One Team Ambassador, had fun with them, playing, dribbling, trying the spectacular dunks or some very difficult shots. They have competed to have him with their team, so he has become a classmate, with whom to share joys, successes and even sorrows for a missed shot. It was a busy day full of experiences, which did not end like that, in fact
after the warm greetings of the children, the coaches and Amedeo left each other wishing to meet each other again, but this time on the court, to attend a
true game.
And this is what happened, when the whole class attended a game at the famous Mediolanum Forum and the most beautiful thing (in addition to the tour of the venue, the practice facility located in the basement and the photo taken in the middle of the court during at the half) was to hear them cheer loudly for Amedeo, who by now, has become some kind of a friend.
The surprises were not finished. The next day, they trained, with great desire and at the end of the meeting, they delivered some beautiful gifts, made by them for their Coach. From a good tradition, Santa Claus Olimpia version has passed and left some presents, with the hope that Christmas can remain an indelible memory in their hearts, and that he may have taught to them the values of sport and friendship.
