USA - Reigning champs go for gold for Lithuanian orphans

KAUNAS (FIBA 2012 U17 World Championship) – The United States team received a lesson in life at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship and feel more grateful for what they have after visiting Lithuanian orphans on their off day.

“It was a great day. Our kids really embraced the opportunity to go to the orphanage. I think it did both groups really good – just to go out and have fun with the youngsters and be part of that whole process and what takes place in another country,” USA coach Don Showalter said about the event, which was organized by staffers of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius.

“The orphanage helps us understand that we are pretty fortunate to be where we are.”

Showalter and his players met with about 30 children from two orphanages in Kaunas. They toured the facilities then headed to the backyard which included a wooden jungle gym, gazebo, mini-trampoline and, of course, a basketball court.

The players got the initially-shy orphans to open up on the court, giving them basketball tips and just having fun playing with them. USA forward BeeJay Anya drew big points with the kids by placing them one by one on his shoulders so they could dunk.

“It was great. The little kids loved us and we loved them because it was so much fun for them, seeing the smiles were great and it was great to give something back to the kids,” said Anya.

“Hopefully these kids will be playing in this tournament when they grow up.”

The children were having so much fun that one of the littlest boys turned to one of the social workers and asked if he could keep Anya as his toy.

“One thing it does for me is it makes me feel grateful for everything I have,” said Anya, who added that a friend from his high school is from Lithuania.

“I’m grateful that I have parents who are taking care of me. I can’t imagine being in their situation. I feel for them. I hope they can all find a family and all get adopted and end up with a better life.”

A number of Lithuanian websites posted photos from the event and a Lithuanian film crew was on hand to film the USA visit with a report running on Lietuvos Rytas TV.

“I was surprised how tall the players were,” admitted one child while an older orphan said: "I can't believe that these guys are just a year older than me, they're so tall."

Anya for his part made it clear to the children that he would not be forgetting them any time soon.

“I told the little kids that we will not only win the gold medal for the States but for the little guys here who are struggling. The gold medal will be for them too.”

For more on the USA's visit, click here.

FIBA