Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry surprises Oakland college with meals, books and football

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Eat.Learn.Play. The Foundation bus was parked near the playground at Elmhurst United Middle School in Oakland and, to the students’ surprise, Stephen Curry, a four-time NBA champion and Bay Area humanitarian, was waiting outside. inside.

As the children posed for a photo, Curry opened a bus door, waved to them and joined in their group photo. After the initial shock of the kids, Curry was ready to host a group from the Oakland Genesis Soccer Club.

“By bringing the ELP (Eat.Learn.Play.) bus, they (CarMax) are helping to sponsor this where we can continue to give kids excitement, inspiration and resources,” Curry said.

The fun day was organized through the foundation’s partnership with CarMax, as Curry helped distribute school supplies, food and books. Then it was time for a day on the soccer field where the Warriors star took part in drills as a referee and even played goalie, where several kids took shots on goal.

Curry’s day in Oakland focused on the “Play” pillar of the foundation, as the kids got to participate in soccer practice with one of the NBA’s top players. Curry was active as a young child, playing many sports, including basketball, soccer, and baseball, underscoring the importance of activity for children.

“Healthy, active lifestyles are huge for kids, just to have a solid balance and find their true inner child,” Curry said. “It’s just a matter of self-discovery, I’ve been blessed with not having to worry about where to go to shoot hoops or find kids my age to pitch football or play baseball. You achieve everything you learn in these environments and every child deserves that.”

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Stephen and his wife Ayesha’s foundation has been committed to the cause in Oakland for the past four years by renovating playgrounds, sponsoring programs that provide positive guidance, and providing healthy meals and reading material.

Forty kids from Oakland Genesis Soccer Club had the chance to play football with Curry and ask questions and those personal interactions have deep meaning for the champion, who is a father of three.

“I’m never too far from those moments and the fact that whether you spend 30 seconds or 30 minutes with a child can change something in their life. Whether they felt seen, whether they were depressed and whether he needed a little excitement in their life or the inspiration of maybe they found something they see in me and they can just look them in the eye or their shake hands or give them a high five or whatever, that might lift them up,” Curry said.

The event of the week in Oakland is one of many on a busy Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation schedule to complete 2023. There will be many events including the team’s annual golf tournament with Workday as well as Christmas with the Curry’s.

“I think Ayesha and I are extremely proud of the amount of work we’ve been able to accomplish in our four years of existence,” Curry said.

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Curry thanked his team, including CEO Chris Helfrich, and the entire organization for their similar vision to bring positive change to the Bay Area, especially Oakland.

“I think what we’re most proud of is staying true to who we are and what we do on those three pillars,” Curry said. “We’ve identified what we’re doing and we want to do it extremely well and we know it’s going to continue to change lives.”

Learn more about Eating. Learn. Play. Head of the foundation here.

To learn more about Oakland Genesis Soccer Club, click here.

To learn more about CarMax, follow this link.

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