Tanzanian NBA Star Hasheem Thabeet Sponsors Basketball Clinics

May 31, 2012

From left to right: TBF Assistant Secretary General Michael Maluwe, NBA star Hasheem Thabeet, PAO Dana L. Banks, TBF Secretary Mary Mbaga and Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Vice President Phares Magesa.

On May 31, Public Affairs Officer Dana L. Banks welcomed Portland Trail Blazers NBA star and Tanzanian Hasheem Thabeet to U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam to promote sports diplomacy programs. Thabeet was joined by Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Vice President Phares Magesa, Assistant Secretary General Michael Maluwe and TBF Secretary Mary Mbaga. PAO Banks presented TBF with a grant to promote Hasheem Thabeet's upcoming youth basketball clinics in Arusha from June 9-10, and noted: "We are inspired by Hasheem Thabeet's leadership and commitment to giving back to Tanzanian youth from all backgrounds through basketball clinics in partnership with TBF and corporate sponsors like Coca Cola-Sprite. As a role model to millions of Tanzanian youth, he sets an example for them to achieve their own success in whatever field they choose through dedication, perseverance, and commitment." Thabeet said he was proud to return home to Tanzania and "give back some of the blessings I have received by working with youth through basketball clinics."

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