Bermuda100: Celebrity Classic a real treat

Let’s just say I was really disappointed with the  performance by Denver in the Super Bowl.

But my experience with the NFL legends at the Celebrity NFL Bowling Classic, which was held on Saturday before the big game, was amazing.

I was invited to be a part of this event by the Champions for Champions legends of sports, a group that I was inducted into four years ago.

The group consists of former NBA, NFL, PRO Boxers and many other legends. They go to major events and stream live to the Wounded Warriors military all over the US.

Saturday’s event was held at the  Bowlmor ally in Chelsea Pier, New York. 

For me, it was great being involved and having the chance to chat with many Super Bowl ex-coaches and players such as Carl Eller (Vikings), Ted Hendricks (Raiders), Rickey Jackson (Saints), Lem Barney (Lions) and Harry Carson (Giants).

Before we got started with the bowling we had to head up to the VIP area, which was closed off to the media and fans. After a while we had to get fitted for our bowling shirts and shoes, then the plan was to have each legend introduced to the fans in the building. 

 Well, this was where the fun started for me. I walked up to the volunteers to grab my bowling shirt, they stared me up and down and asked what size I wanted, knowing full well they only had sizes for the 300 pound NFL legends in the room. I looked at them and said I would take the smallest size you have. 

So, I walk away with a XXL which ran bigger than the norm and could get two of me inside!. After this I had to slide over to the other side of the room and grab my bowling shoes off the table. 

I was thinking that the sizes would go down to my sevens — but that was not the case! Still, despite my oversized clothes the event was great.

I never thought I would be signing NFL footballs at an event but being around the legends was a good experience and refreshing

The next event I will be at is the NBA allstar weekend, which I am looking forward to because I will have the chance to mix and mingle with Dr. J, Bill Russell, Sam Jones and many others. 

Today we, the Baltimore Blast,  are flying out to St. Louis and Missouri for two games.

We will be gone for six days and need to return with two wins, which would put us in a great position. 

At this time we are in second place, half a game behind Milwaukee. We are in the playoffs and hoping to compete for the championship again this year. Until next time. 

David Bascome is a coach with Baltimore Blast and founder of the Hope4Life Foundation and the Bermuda100 initiative, which aims to support schools, and recruit and train leaders in our community.