Associated Press | 1/14/2010
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB) and New Orleans Hornets’ star point guard Chris Paul teamed up to host the Chris Paul Professional Bowlers Association Celebrity Invitational at NAS JRB’s Riverboat Lanes bowling alley Jan. 7.
The star-studded event featured Paul, Grammy Award winner and Hip Hop artist Chris “Ludicris” Bridges, Lamar Woodley and Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio. The celebrities were joined by PBA bowlers Wes Malott, Jason Belmonte, Pete, Weber, and Norm Duke.
The event was recorded by the ESPN sports network and will be aired Feb. 7.
“It was an honor to hold my event at the base,” said Paul. “I really appreciate everything that the military has done to secure freedom around the world.”
Paul said that he developed a close relationship with the military during the 2006 Olympics, visiting several military bases with the Team USA Olympic Basketball Team.
Paul also thanked Capt. Bill Snyder, commanding officer of NAS JRB.
“It is a distinct honor,” said Paul. “It is very special to work so closely with the military. Capt. Snyder and his entire team made our entire visit easy.”
Snyder said that it was a great opportunity for service members and their families to see entertainment stars in person.
“They were all fantastic,” said Snyder. “All of the celebrities took time out to sign autographs and talk to the hundreds of Sailors who came to see them. Chris Paul and all the celebrities that bowled in the event made it a night to remember for Sailors and their families.”
Paul, a notable bowler, participates in numerous celebrity and youth bowling events. The bowling and charity events benefit his CP3 Foundation.
Paul and his family created the CP3 Foundation in 2005 to support worthy causes. The foundation provides food for needy families and also provides collegiate scholarships to under privileged youths in Paul’s hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C., and New Orleans, La., where he plays basketball professionally.
Master-At-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW) Pierre Peacock, a native of Wake, N.C., was impressed by Paul’s initiative to help those less fortunate than himself.
“He gives back to the community,” said Peacock. “No one has ever questioned his sincerity or his intentions. His charity events consistently help thousands of families in North Carolina and Louisiana. He should be commended.”
“Chris Paul is a class-act,” said Peacock. “He is a standout on and off the court.”
The 2010 Chris Paul Celebrity PBA Invitational
Gemini Custom Apparel provides jerseys for the 2010 Chris Paul Celebrity Invitational airing this February on ESPN.
Associated Press | 1/14/2010
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB) and New Orleans Hornets’ star point guard Chris Paul teamed up to host the Chris Paul Professional Bowlers Association Celebrity Invitational at NAS JRB’s Riverboat Lanes bowling alley Jan. 7.
The star-studded event featured Paul, Grammy Award winner and Hip Hop artist Chris “Ludicris” Bridges, Lamar Woodley and Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio. The celebrities were joined by PBA bowlers Wes Malott, Jason Belmonte, Pete, Weber, and Norm Duke.
The event was recorded by the ESPN sports network and will be aired Feb. 7.
“It was an honor to hold my event at the base,” said Paul. “I really appreciate everything that the military has done to secure freedom around the world.”
Paul said that he developed a close relationship with the military during the 2006 Olympics, visiting several military bases with the Team USA Olympic Basketball Team.
Paul also thanked Capt. Bill Snyder, commanding officer of NAS JRB.
“It is a distinct honor,” said Paul. “It is very special to work so closely with the military. Capt. Snyder and his entire team made our entire visit easy.”
Snyder said that it was a great opportunity for service members and their families to see entertainment stars in person.
“They were all fantastic,” said Snyder. “All of the celebrities took time out to sign autographs and talk to the hundreds of Sailors who came to see them. Chris Paul and all the celebrities that bowled in the event made it a night to remember for Sailors and their families.”
Paul, a notable bowler, participates in numerous celebrity and youth bowling events. The bowling and charity events benefit his CP3 Foundation.
Paul and his family created the CP3 Foundation in 2005 to support worthy causes. The foundation provides food for needy families and also provides collegiate scholarships to under privileged youths in Paul’s hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C., and New Orleans, La., where he plays basketball professionally.
Master-At-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW) Pierre Peacock, a native of Wake, N.C., was impressed by Paul’s initiative to help those less fortunate than himself.
“He gives back to the community,” said Peacock. “No one has ever questioned his sincerity or his intentions. His charity events consistently help thousands of families in North Carolina and Louisiana. He should be commended.”
“Chris Paul is a class-act,” said Peacock. “He is a standout on and off the court.”
©2010 by The Associated Press