Before hosting Zion Williamson’s Pelicans next night, the Spurs left their San Antonio training center for a day. Direction Uvalde, a small Texan town located 150 kilometers to the southwest.
Gregg Popovich and the franchise wanted to hold a training session there that was completely open to the local population. A way for the franchise to bring a little joy to this town of 15,000 inhabitants, traumatized by the shooting which took place last May in a school in the city, killing 21 people, including 19 children and 2 teachers.
“It’s extremely sad”, explained Tre Jonesasked about the event. “We would like everyone to be with us. We are just trying to bring joy to the families and all the children who were friends with the children who died and to help the teachers as well. We want to give them a moment of happiness in their life and try to put a smile on their face. »
A pure moment of happiness and communion
With a rebuilding squad, it was Gregg Popovich who received the most cheers from spectators in the small local high school gymnasium, while Manu Ginobili, the club’s special adviser also in attendance, also caused a stir, spending the day signing autographs and take pictures.
“I am so happy that she was able to live this moment with Manu” said Flores, mother of a little girl from the school affected by the shooting. “She has her good times, but we will never forget. She saw the shooter through her classroom window. She’s now terrified of people who look like her, not that she judges, but some people look like her and that’s just scary for her. »
This day with the Spurs will not erase the scars of the shooting but, for the children of Uvalde and their families, it was a moment of pure happiness and communion with the stars of the San Antonio franchise.
“It’s important for me to come here and see the children smile”concluded Keldon Johnson. “We know it has been difficult. But if we can come here and bring some joy, it’s already a successful day. »
