43
‘Basketball’ Jones brings message to Union
Photo
With the help of Jones (left), Union student Alexis Petro accomplished the impressive feat of spinning a basketball only using her mouth.
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted.Even Jones can't believe some of the amazing things that second-graders can do! Tony Gallo (left) and Avery Doctor watched Robert Holloway spin a basketball on his nose with the help of Jim Jones, while Brenden Gurd and Teegan Graff also watched with awe.
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted.After the show, a group of excited second graders got to spend some extra time with Jim "Basketball" Jones. The group were, from left, Tony Gallo, Avery Doctor, Robert Holloway, Jones, Brenden Gurd, and Teegan Graff.
By SARAH FOOR
During the 2010-2011 school year, Jim “Basketball” Jones has visited 400 schools in nine different states. Even with that very busy schedule, Jones is always happy to make a stop in northeastern Ohio.
On April 21, he visited Union Elementary to teach the students there about the power of patience and respect.
During his presentations, Jones shares his personal story — about being diagnosed as dyslexic at a young age — and shows off his basketball skills as a means to teach a positive message. Although Jones is a natural showman, he didn’t expect to become a motivational speaker.
“This all started when I did my crazy basketball tricks and talked with my daughter’s kindergarten class 13 years ago. I finished, and her teacher told me, ‘Jim, this is what you’re meant to do with your life.’ It hadn’t occurred to me that my story could be used as inspiration, but here I am, years later,” Jones shared.
For his presentation with the students of Union Elementary, Jones talked about making good choices, treating others with respect, and what he called “patient listening.”
“I’m trying to teach the kids to slow down, take a breath and think about what others are saying. The world is moving so fast and I think we all need to stop and think about what we’re saying before we anticipate or react to it,” Jones said.
Along with the serious lessons he taught, Jones also included plenty of humor and impressive tricks with spinning basketballs. Jones’ presentations are a lot of fun and games, but he also has a message he hopes sticks with the children.
“There were a lot of people who told me I couldn’t be successful with a disability. I feel for kids who think they can’t be successful. It’s always been my goal to help banish that thought forever.”