Superstar Janeth Opens Shooting Stars Program

Sao Paulo

2012 Shooting Stars participants

CAO Scott Whitmore, CAS Maria Estela Correa, basket ball Brazilian star Janeth, SESC Vice-Director Patricia Piquera Vianna and SESC Program Assistant Valeria J. Taveiros.

Brazilian basketball icon Janeth Arcain brought true star power to SESC Consolacao January 30 to help launch the Shooting Stars language and leadership program.  American basketball legend and US Cultural Envoy Kareem Abdul Jabbar sent a video message to open the program but all-time Olympic female scoring leader, Janeth, provided the inspiration for the 40 stars-to-be, participating in a basketball clinic and encouraging them to “dream and challenge yourselves everyday to reach those dreams.”

The tip-off to the program included introductions of the three program partners as well as the coaches and instructors who will provide the English, basketball and leadership instruction the students will receive over the year.  The students also received textbooks, uniforms and backpacks – and court shoes from Nike – they will use throughout the program.  After the introductions and distribution of materials, the students hit the court for a fast-paced training session conducted by Janeth that included a series of drills and stretching exercises.  Ending the clinic on a fun note, Janeth split the group for a boys-versus-girls free throw competition that was dramatically won by the girls on a last second shot.

Shooting Stars is a one-year program that will use the basketball court as a classroom to teach 40 public school students, aged 14-17, basketball and leadership skills as well as English.  The program is sponsored by the U.S. Consulate in Sao Paulo, SESC Sao Paulo and Associacao Alumni with the goal of creating future leaders and difference makers in Brazil via basketball.