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 Phoenix or Bust
Posted By: Aaron Nelson |
 Leandro Barbosa and Aaron Nelson. (Aaron Nelson/Suns Photos) |
We had a bus departing at 10 a.m. for the grand opening of Yao Ming’s health club – California Fitness Yao Ming (sister company to 24 Hour Fitnress). As we walked out to the bus, Steve and LB signed autographs for several fans, some who drove over 1,500 miles just to get an autograph. A couple of the grils began crying because they were so excited to get the autographs – You might have thought it was the Beatles!
We arrived at a square downtown in which the introduction of the club would take place. We all met Jackie Chan and proceeded to an area with an outdoor stage and some chairs. About 100 media and supporters were present, while the nearby streets and shops were lined with thousands of fans trying to get a picture or autograph of some of the stars. Yao arrived and the opening ensued. As we were being escorted up to the club (video footage coming soon), the 10 or so security guards we had were no match for the rabid fans. People were pushing and fighting to get close to the players, some just to touch them. Security was hurling people out of the way without hesitation. I was just waiting to be one of the unlucky individuals to take a beating. I stayed close to Steve and Leandro, although I’m still not sure if that was a good or bad idea. I also had to push some people away from LB as they were getting out of control. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. OUT OF CONTROL!
Following good-byes with Yao, agent Bill Duffy, and BDA Sports’ Bill Sanders, we got back on our bus and headed to the airport. After waiting a little while, we boarded Bing’s plane and took off for Russia. The flight lasted about 5 ½ hours, but this time no one got off the plane. Everyone stayed where they were and slept. Steve and Baron Davis slept on the couches in the back of the plane and I took the same floor space I had on the way to China. Everyone else was passed out in their seats. After less than an hour of refueling, we headed off to Seattle – about a 6 ½ hour flight. We all continued to sleep until the last 4 minutes in which everyone started to wake up. We landed in Seattle and said our good-byes to Baron Davis, Amir Johnson and Paul Davis.
As I finish this blog, we are about 45 minutes from Phoenix. The only ones left are Steve, LB, Alando, D.J., Chuck Hayes, Bing, Jody, our flight attendant and our two pilots. Both to and from China, our flight attendant took very good care of all of us, trying to make sure we were always comfortable and well fed.
I hate to use the cliché, but this has been a whirlwind trip! It was an incredible experience for such a short time. Steve and Yao did something incredible for the underprivileged children in China with help from many of their NBA and Chinese friends, as well as their agencies. Bing Hu played a big part in the event and was generous enough to fly us over on his private plane so we would not have to make the trip commercially. They told us that the money from the event will help build about70 schools in China so that young children can now have the education that may have passed them by. You should all know the compassion and love Steve and Yao have for such a great cause. The players were grateful to be a part of such an event. Leandro is now looking at doing an event with Steve, similar to this one, to be held in Brazil. You don’t always get a chance to see what these players do to give back to the community, but I have been able to see first hand.
We are getting close to our descent into Phoenix and I cannot wait to see my wife and son! I hope to see many of you reading this at some Suns games as we make another run for the championship. Training camp starts in about two weeks and our first exhibition game is in about three weeks!
Go Suns!!! – and Steelers!
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Comments
ali - Tempe,Arizona,
I wish I was like you Aaron Nelson.You are so lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen - Phoenix
Hey Aaron, thanks for the blog and the GREAT pictures. It really was a great event to benefit the children. Thanks for giving your time to be there.
The season is right around the corner. I'm so excited. It has been a LONG wait. Let's keep everyone healthy and go for the prize.
sarah elizabeth - Phoenix
wow sounds like you've had a great trip! you guys rock :)
Wendy Ladkin - Louisiana
I love this Team!!!!! And I also love the Womens Team!!!!! Go Job to all of u!
Keith - Phoenix
Sounds like a really cool trip...
Steelers suck, go Cards!
Scott - Portland
70 schools?! That's incredible.
A tip of the hat to Steve and Yao and everyone who made this happen! :)
Jose Ramires - Phoniex, Arizona
That's is just cool
Aaron Nelson - Sunsville
Keith,
I hope the Cards do well--they have half of the Steelers coaches! Good luck to the Cards on the 30th!
Janine - Canada
I wish i was you Aaron Nelson. I have wanted to meet Steve Nash my whole life. That is my wish and my dream...
Dj Kay Slay - Murdeapolis
That is so totally Rad Dude.
jesus - phoenix, arizona
the suns are a greate teem and i think they are going to win it all this year!!!!! BARBOSA RULES!!!
Robert S - Heber Az, Trinidad Co, Alliance Ne.
Well Aaron I have to give you your props... good to great article(s)!!!! And I even forgive your Steelers props. (Only since my Raiders have continually sucked badly. If you believe in Karma, this is how Al Davis is repaid by the universe for the way he treated Marcus Allen.) Gotto go an once again GR8 job and keep it up U lucky dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
michael mccoy - glendalel
looks like everone had a good time now lets get a championship.
Antoinette - Phoenix
Wow, sounds like you had a great time. You are pretty lucky. Go Suns!! Love you guys... :0)
jaclyn t - new york
wow thats great i love you guys looooooots of luck this year!!!!=]
Kimberly - CA
awesome blogs
GO SUNS!!! :D
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