The Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Sterling Recreation Center Monday, July 16 at 1 p.m. with City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. The floor dedication was emceed by Cavs in-arena host Ahmaad Crump with Cavs CEO Len Komoroski and Cavs President Nic Barlage along with Director of Public Works Michael Cox and Division of Recreation Commissioner Sam Gissentaner.
The refurbished gym was made possible through the Cavalier’s partnership with the City of Cleveland and is the third recreation in the city to be upgraded. Representing the team was some sports legends, including Austin Carr and Jim Chones who are now part of the Cavaliers broadcast team.
Also present at the ribbon-cutting were community leaders from the AsiaTown neighborhood including Michael Byun, CEO of Asian Services in Action, Lisa Wong, President of OCA Cleveland – Asian Pacific American Advocates and co-founder of the Cleveland Asian Festival, Ying Pu, publisher of the Chinese Erie Journal and immediate past president of the Chinese Women Association of Cleveland, Steve Hom and his wife Jessica from Asia Plaza, Joe Fong, a Precinct representative for Ward 7 Councilman Basheer Jones, Chia-Min Chen, City of Cleveland Community Relations Asian Liaison, and families from the Asiatown neighborhood.
The fresh new space is a welcome to the many youth and families to play in as well as for community meetings and the monthly Fresh Produce giveaway for the AsiaTown neighborhood that services over a hundred elderly from the Asian community. The program started late last year courtesy of the Cleveland Food Bank in anticipation of the upcoming move of Dave’s Supermarket from their Payne Avenue location.
After the official ceremony, coaches from the Cavaliers Academy ran a skills clinic with the Ward 7 youth in attendance. Cavaliers mascot Sir C.C. and Moondog were on hand to help with drills. The clinic and other activities for Monday’s celebration were scheduled until 4 p.m. according to Sterling Recreation Manager Gabriel Ramos.