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Hi all,
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog, but with the
events in the last 2 weeks, I had to get something down for everyone to have a
glimpse in my life. It has been super amazing, and I’m so thankful for the
opportunity to travel, meet new people and inspire young women and girls
through sports around the globe.
It all started with an invite to participate in the White
House’s “Women in History” panel and reception in Washington, DC. While waiting
at the airport (delayed of course), I ran into Congressman Andre Carson and the
Honorable Susan Brooks who invited me over to Capitol Hill… if I had time after
the White House LOL. Already a great day!!
Upon arrival to DC, my agent, Shana, and I were whisked up
and taken directly to the White House to get ready for the Women’s History
month celebration panel. There were 150 high school boys and girls that were
selected from a few local high schools to be a part of this event. The actual
program and panel was a group of phenomenal women leaders who have and ARE
making history. Here they are:
-
Valerie Jarrett- Senior advisor to President
Barack Obama. Also, chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls
-
Avra Siegel- Deputy Director of the White House
Council on Women and Girls
-
Alex Wagner- host of MSNBC’s “NOW with Alex
Wagner”
-
Dolores Huerta- Civil Rights, workers and
women’s advocate
-
Sarah Jones- Tony Award winning playwright and
performer
-
Abbe Raven- Chief Executive Officer and
President of A & E Television Networks
-
Suni Williams- Indian American NASA astronaut
and a United States Navy Officer
 |
| Alex Wagner, Suni Williams, Abbe Raven, Valerie Jarrett, Dolores Huerta and I |
Walking into that room and listening to these ladies was
very influential and will go a long way in helping me as I continue on my
journey. Once the event was over we all ushered over to the actual reception
where we were able to take photos with both Mr. and Mrs. President Obama.
After the reception was over, I took up Congressman Carson’s
offer to visit Capitol Hill. Shana and I met up with his two interns (from Indy
too) and went up to his office for a minute before taking the route to the
“floor” so he could get his votes in on different topics. I swear I met just
about every congressman/woman that was in there as Congressman Carson ushered
them out one by one or in groups to come and meet me. Talk about a special
moment- WOW!!!
 |
| Honorable Susan Brooks, Congressman Andre Carson and I |
We all went and grabbed some food and then it was time to go
home. Talk about an adventurous, but great day. Super Amazing!!
The rest of the week was filled with workouts, meetings for
my Catch the Stars Foundation and a few events. I started my trek at 10:30a
Friday morning with a 1-hour flight from Indy to Chicago. 13 hours from Chicago
to Tokyo/Narita. And, arriving in Bangkok 7 hours later at 11:30p on Saturday.
Talk about a rough (but so worth it) travel day. I just couldn’t wait to lie
straight in a bed LOL.
We had off Sunday so we decided to check out the Sky Train
and maneuver our way around the city. We hit up the Chatuchak market and then
finished our day with a visit to the mall, a great lunch/dinner and then back
to the hotel to rest.
Monday we had a clinic with a few members of the Thai
Paralympic Basketball Team at the US Embassy. While the language barrier was
there at first, with the help of the translators and the excitement of the
players, we were able to get through everything and teach them a little bit
about ball. After the clinic, we took showers and then headed back to the
Embassy to meet with Ambassador Kristie Kenney and do a quick press conference
with the Embassy employees. From there, we met with a few students to talk
about our life in America, struggles, and of course basketball. And, last but
not least, we had another press conference announcing the beginning of the
camp, where we ran into Jelly Bean Bryant who’s over there coaching. And, then
we finished the night off with a Dinner cruise on the river. Talk about an
eventful, but exciting day- and tiring.
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| Eb, Ambassador Kristie Kenney and I |
Tuesday kicked off the clinic and we did that for the next
two days concluding on Thursday. The coaches that were there to help us we’re
absolutely AMAZING!! And, just having an opportunity to see the smiles on our
young campers faces was worth the trip and so much more. We already knew the
impact basketball has had on our lives, but this showed a totally different
perspective for why we do what we do. Title IX has been an important aspect of
our life here in America, but now our goal is to expand that beyond the borders
and reach the WORLD!!
Friday we hosted our last and final clinic for about 20
girls at one of the local orphanages. You could see the questions in their eyes
as we tumbled out of the car. But, within the first 10 minutes of the clinic we
had them engaged and ready to roll. Gosh, I love this game!!
Well, I just landed back in Indy after another long day of
traveling, but it was so worth it. Being able to be a Sports Envoy for the week
and my involvement on the Women & Sports Council allowed me this
opportunity and so many more ahead of me. I’m thankful that we were able to
touch so many lives and I can’t wait til the next time!!
Check out these links for more pictures and videos:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g5QuaW3PNA&feature=youtu.be
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=5as08Ya4AsI
- http://catchin24.com/gallery/
- http://catchthestars.org/gallery.php
Until the next time I write… God Bless!! Happy Easter :
)
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind (in a good way) between on the court stuff, Catch the Stars Foundation events, community events AND GETTING MY OWN TAMIKA CATCHINGS COURT. We'll have pictures posted up on the catchthestars.org website for you to check out soon. With so many things happening, we have to stay focused on one thing at a time : )
When the buzzer sounded for us to begin the ceremony, my heart was racing super fast. Walking over to the corner and looking out at all of the fans there to support us, I was just so happy that this was FINALLY happening!! I swear when the video started playing and Chris Denari started talking and introducing everyone one at a time, it seemed like everything started playing in slow motion. I remember putting one foot in front of the other, but I swear the tears were right there in the corner of my eye. Looking at Laurel Richie (our WNBA president) with her glossy eyes, I told her "you better not start crying" hahaha. We all know it only takes one person crying to get the party started. The rings are absolutely amazing and seeing the banner raised was something super surreal.
