"This visit has been an overwhelming experience. Before I came to Mozambique, I did not know what to expect. Now that I’ve been here and learned, I want to relive it." - Teresa Edwards

Teresa demonstrates how to fend off the defense at a basketball clinic

Former NBA champion Tracy Murray and four-time Olympic champion/former WNBA star Teresa Edwards traveled to Mozambique as Sports Envoys to conduct basketball clinics for over 400 youth and coaches in Maputo, Matola, and Beira, Mozambique. The program, which took place from August 29-September 2, 2009, was carried out by the SportsUnited Office in cooperation with the National Basketball Association and the Mozambique Basketball Federation.

The envoys conducted basketball clinics for boys and girls throughout Mozambique. The clinics stressed the importance of stretching, basketball fundamentals, and teamwork. Tracy noted that during the first clinic “we called all the boys and girls to join us on the court, but the girls hung back. After a few minutes of watching the boys participate, a little more encouragement from the coaches, the girls came out full of energy (especially eager to practice with Teresa!).” For Teresa and Tracy, the poverty of Mozambique became apparent when some players came to clinics without shoes. The envoys noticed that even with very little, the young players still loved participating in sports. The envoys also got a taste of Mozambican music. After listening to some of the songs played with local instruments, the envoys discussed contemporary American music with some of the young people who participated in the clinics. Tracy commented that “Everything I’ve seen here has been done with such passion: art, basketball, music.” In addition to the clinics, the two sports envoys participated in a weekly television program on sports and numerous other television, print, and radio interviews.

“It has been an outstanding couple of days. This trip has exceeded my expectations. I’m so impressed by Mozambicans’ pride and work ethic. I feel like I’m leaving behind so many brothers and sisters.” - Tracy Murray