Basketball Fiesta

Professional basketball season begins just about the same time school starts every fall; but instead of being with his new team, former Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis will be back in Houston. The host of a three-day event for youth here, Francis slam dunks The Steve Francis Summer Fiesta on Aug. 27. Sponsored by The Steve Francis Foundation, all proceeds go to The Brenda Wilson Scholarship Fund and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.

Francis began The Steve Francis Foundation five years ago in Washington, D.C.; and with his trade to Houston in 2002, the foundation grew. A high school dropout himself, Francis strives to assist youth realize their potential by helping them explore different career opportunities and raising money for the Brenda Wilson Scholarship Fund.

The Summer Fiesta consists of the youth job forum “Sports &Entertainment Careers: Beyond the Lights.” Offering workshops, discussions and a fair at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1,000 high school seniors from Houston’s Third and Fifth Wards will be able to learn about career opportunities in the sports and entertainment industries.

Some of the other attractions during the festival are a corporate bowling challenge, Jump Off Party at Westside Tennis Club, kids’ basketball clinic, boat ride party, Slam Fest All-Star Basketball Game and The Remix party at M Bar. (Featuring Steve Francis, Dwight Howard, Damon Stoudamire, Antoine Walker, Damon Jones, James Posey and many more hooping it up, the Slam Fest All-Star Basketball Game should prove an eye-opening experience.)

Because of Francis’ efforts, five hard-working Houston high school seniors will receive $10,000 from The Brenda Wilson Scholarship Fund. The Steve Francis Summer Fiesta is a great excuse to have fun and help Houston children. H