Welcome to the Nationals

WELCOME THE GREENBURGH KINGS 2008 AAU U14 NATIONALS IN ORLANDO FLORIDA!!!!!

Well after a great spring and summer of practices, scrimmages, tournaments and more practices, the Greenburgh Kings are in Orlando. Congratulations to all the boys for their hardwork and dedication in making it this far. We've got a lot of work to do this week and based on what we've seen thus far, we know our boys can do whatever it is they set their hearts on.

Our first day in Orlando was a busy one. We met in the morning at Celebration High School for registration, then the boys had practice at Olympia High School. Afterwards the boys had some free time before opening ceremonies so they took advantage of the pool at our hotel.

INTENSITY

Opening ceremonies at Disney's Wide World of Sports took place at Milkhouse Stadium. As we walked up to the stadium there was a DJ outside to get everyone pumped up. Once inside the stadium

it was truly a party atmosphere. Music was jamming, cameras all over the stadium projecting the spectators on the jumbotron screens. Even our two self-proclaimed mascots, Nile and Joseph were caught dancing on the screen. Everyone was having a great time.

Then the teams were announced one by one as they walked into the gym and paraded around the entire stadium with the crowds cheering loudly as their team was announced. I believe the Greenburgh Kings fans get the award for the loudest!!!! By the time the teams were finished being announced, there were 114 teams sitting on the interior of the stadium. To see all the rainbow of colors and all the boys - WOW!

Of course, we're in Disney, so a ceremony wouldn't be complete with out the one and only Mickey Mouse! Some words followed by the AAU Commisioner and the boys all recited the AAU Code of Honor. Finally to end the ceremony were 5 members of the amazing Orlando Magic Dance Sqad performing some amazing dunks - the boys all moved to the front of the stadium to get a closer look - another WOW! The final dunk was completed and streamers flew into the stadium. Two words by Jordan summed up the evening: "Great Experience", and parent Lori S said the "ceremony brought me to tears".

Some of the parents told Coach Mike they are ready to suit up and get in the game (wow - that opening ceremony really got everyone motivated).
We all met at Lone Star for a team dinner - what fun when the boys were seated inside the restaurant and the adults outside. Good food, drinks, and great conversation were enjoyed by all. We are truly blessed to have a tremendous group of boys, parents, grandparents, brothers and aunts.

Lets get ready for our first game and play with INTENSITY.