Bounce………Bounce………Bounce…………
As runners kept running, many turned their heads to see…A BASKETBALL?!?
In the 2007 New York City marathon, Dan “Occh” Occhiogrosso did something I’d never seen before – he dribbled a basketball through the entire race!
Why?
To become part of something bigger than himself.
By dribbling the marathon, Occh was able to raise awareness for the needs of the children stricken by AIDS in the Bethesda orphanage in South Africa. But with so many eyeballs watching, he didn’t stop there.
Ball for Lives has grown now to become a non-profit organization where donations are received and given to multiple charities and ministries throughout the world. He continues his ministry by giving assemblies around the country, and by also challenging others to join in by dribbling races as well. I had the privilege of bringing the message to my neck of the woods recently, and it was a blast!
The best kind of fun
When this blog was created, it was intentionally given the subtitle “Taking Fun Seriously”. One of the best ways to do that is to give to others. Time, talent, and treasure are all currencies that can be given to bless others. Often when (as Occh puts it), we’re involved in something bigger than ourselves, having fun comes naturally, and life is more enjoyable.
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Love it! While I highly doubt you will see me with a basketball anytime soon (despite being 6’5″), I could totally support this.
Love that the focus is on others!
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Cool! I’ve never heard of this, and it makes me conceptualize ways to help others (or selfishly, myself) by doing unique things in bigger arenas.
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Are you kidding?! I’m training for a marathon and I love basketball and changing the world! This is perfect for me. Thanks for the introducing me to ballforlives, I’m definitely getting involved!
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