“It was an honor for me to represent the U.S. and the NBA...I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of conducting the clinic and believe the kids who attended learned a great deal, and left with a greater passion for the sport.”  - Pat Garrity, Orlando Magic

The American team gets ready to play with a cheer.

July 2008 marks the 175th Anniversary of Thai-U.S. friendship. To celebrate, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, the NBA, and the WNBA to host the Friendship Basketball Camp. From July 7-10, Pat Garrity of the Orlando Magic and Kym Hampton, formerly of the New York Liberty, led clinics for 100 Thai boys and girls and 20 American international students between the ages of 13-15. The two envoys met with the campers, taught classes on fundamental basketball skills, and playing as a team. Also representing the Department of State was Deputy Assistant Secretary Alina Romanowski, who attended the camp and talked about cultural and educational exchange programs sponsored by ECA.

While in Thailand, the envoys also had the opportunity to visit the Mercy Center, an orphanage in Bangkok. They were treated to a welcoming dance and spent time meeting the children. After introductions, Pat and Kym ran a short skills clinic at the orphanage that was a big hit with the kids.

At the end of the camp all of the kids participated in a co-ed mini-league competition and watched a friendly game between a team of Thai youth and celebrities and a team of American youth and Embassy staff. Ambassador Eric G. John headlined the American team while Pat and Kym each coached a side.