NBA’s Phoenix Suns spread inspiration for inclusion in the community

Current and former Phoenix Suns players visited Macau Special Olympics athletes yesterday, demonstrating their skills and promoting inclusion at an event organized by Sands China. James Jones, president and general manager, was joined by basketball legends Rex Chapman and Cedric Ceballos as well as current center, Jusuf Nurkic.

“It was a pleasure to connect with these young fans,” said Nurkic, adding that the “Special Olympics does fantastic work in local communities.” The visit included appreciation of artwork, crafting of incense holders and assisting with health checkups.

Nurkic described the event as “amazing,” saying “we as human beings should more allow public space and jobs for people with disabilities.” He believes they deserve to be “part of our lives” as “honest people.”

Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said the goal was to “promote community inclusion, highlighting that sports can go beyond boundaries with equality and love.”

During an interview, Nurkic gave advice to young basketball players. “I don’t know if it’s very difficult, because it’s a fun sport,” he said. He recommends taking the sport seriously after age 15 while balancing it with school. “You can’t say that basketball is more important than school or education,” Nurkic noted.

His overall message was to “take it seriously” and “do your best,” trusting that hard work will help guide one’s path. The Suns’ visit helped spread inspiration and a message of community inclusion through sport. It brought NBA stars together with athletes who prove, as Nurkic said, that people with disabilities deserve an equal place in society. VC