Hello Columbus!
We’ve been waiting, you’ve been waiting and now that wait is over … it’s Game week, baby!
Forty-eight of the nation’s best high school basketball players are in the Buckeye State capital of Columbus for the 2010 McDonald’s All American Games – the 33rd Boys game and the ninth annual Girls game. The high school superstars started filing in Saturday to take part in a week chalked full of activities surrounding the Games.
All Americans in the House….
Yesterday the players kicked off Game week by experiencing first hand the true meaning of the Games when they visited the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio to spend time with children who are receiving critical treatment at a local hospital.
After touring the House, baking chocolate chip cookies and participating in a little story time, the players visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital to lift the spirits of some very appreciative kids. The players split up into two groups – one half toured the hospital and passed out gifts, while the other half visited the Rehab Unit gym and played a few games with the children.
Harrison Barnes and Ronald McDonald read to a very interested young man.
For many of the players, the House and hospital visit changed the way they think about helping others and commented how moved they were by their experience of giving back to the families. The visit helped the players realize that Game week is about more than just a game.
Net proceeds from the 2010 Games go directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Since 1978 millions of dollars raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities across the country.
It’s in the Game!
Even after a long day, these players were still competing … albeit virtually. On Sunday night, the players took to the virtual court to play NCAA ’10 in the third annual EA Sports video game tournament. Players mixed in a little friendly competition, while listening to their very own Game week DJ and sitting down with the first wave of arriving media for interviews.
Chelsea Gray and Cory Joseph go one-on-one in the EA Sports video game tournament.
Just Another Manic Monday….
Today is another ‘jam’-packed day, which includes:
• McDonald’s Lunch
• Columbus Zoo Visit
• POWERADE Jam Fest
Check back tomorrow for the latest updates on the 2010 McDonald’s All American Teams and be sure to visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com for more information.