Washington Wizards players traded basketballs for bowling balls on Thursday night at their inaugural Ballers & Bowling children’s party in partnership with the Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation. The entire team, coaching staff, and owner Ted Leonis all came out to Lucky Strike in Washington, D.C. to join children from area non-profits that included Up2Us Sports, Martha’s Table, Greater Washington Urban League, DC Central Kitchen, Hope for Henry, Leveling the Playing Field, Higher Achievement, and SMYAL.
#Wizards took a break from 🏀 to give back at tonight’s Ballers & Bowling event benefiting various charities supported by Monumental Sports. pic.twitter.com/Hj88O7etGC
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) February 21, 2020
Each lane featured five kids from the participating organizations paired with a Wizards player including Rui Hachimura, Bradley Beal, Thomas Bryant, and John Wall for a night of bowling, food, and fun. The players also signed memorabilia for their bowling partners.
Although the team was partaking in a sport other than basketball, that didn’t take away their competitive nature. Particularly John Wall who shared that he used to bowl three times a week prior to his Achilles injury.
In addition to giving back, the event served as a rare occasion for the entire organization to come together for a community event as opposed to when they focus on their individual charities. Overall, a good time was had by all involved and proceeds from the event will benefit Monumental Sports and Entertainment’s charitable giving fund.
Wall spoke to media at Ballers & Bowling about the positives of having the entire team and coaching staff participating in the event and his love for bowling. #Wizards pic.twitter.com/eOa5JQyxs0
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) February 21, 2020
Coach Brooks at Ballers & Bowling: “This is an important and fun night.” #Wizards pic.twitter.com/rrYuLYqa2n
— SportsJourney.com (@SportsJourney) February 21, 2020