As a part of Monumental Sports Global Academies, and in partnership with ESM (East Sports Management) and Etihad Airways, HC Mike Thibault, along with Ivory Latta and Krystal Thomas and Asst. Coach Eric Thibault traveled halfway across the world to the United Arab Emirates to host a series of youth basketball clinics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights from the trip.
The Announcement
DC✈UAE – @coachthibault along with @IvoryLatta12 & @K_Thomas34 head to Abu Dhabi & Dubai to host clinics!: https://t.co/FKREs8GIj6 pic.twitter.com/CNYjxpvpOM — Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 22, 2017
Ivory Latta Giving Dubai the Heads UP
Who’s in Dubai ??? I’m on the way ✈️✈️✈️
— Ivory Latta (@IvoryLatta12) March 21, 2017
Followed up by Krystal Thomas
Made it safely to Abu Dhabi! Time to get some sleep. We’ve got exciting things planned for tomorrow!
— Krystal Thomas (@K_Thomas34) March 22, 2017
The group conducted a series of educational clinicsC in Abu Dhabi at the New York University Sports Facility and welcomed athletes ages 8-18. They lead discussions geared towards health and wellness while also promoting participation in sports.
Made New Friends & Met up with some familiar MSE friends
of a busy 48 hours in Abu Dhabi hosting clinics & exploring! Even caught up with an old friend! ( @FatimaAl_Ali)#MysticsAbroad #esmuae pic.twitter.com/KKxo84nbNm
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 24, 2017
The final clinic on March 26 was at the brand new state of the art GEMS Nations Academy in Dubai. Ivory in Dubai with basketball
Clinic in Dubai today…they apparently used @IvoryLatta12 as the model hands for these junior basketballs pic.twitter.com/NPHgwPAYqR
— Eric Thibault (@ET_hoops) March 26, 2017
ESM (East Sports Management), the leading provider of professional sports academies in the Middle East, served as our partner for the trip and assisted in implementing the clinics.
ESM with the UAE Clinic Highlight
WATCH: Young Basketball enthusiasts in the #UAE got to train with the best from the @WashMystics. https://t.co/o2YeOEB33z pic.twitter.com/W586rt1zaW
— ESM (@esmuae) March 29, 2017
Our MSE Fam Sending Love
Washington Capitals re-tweet
Check out who’s hanging out with @WashMystics in United Arab Emirates for their Monumental Sports Global Academies clinics? @FatimaAl_Ali! pic.twitter.com/kjSe6STABA
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2017
“As part of our commitment to help foster the growth of basketball around the world, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is excited to bring basketball clinics to the UAE,” said Jim Van Stone, Monumental Sports & Entertainment president of business operations and chief commercial officer.