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Published: December 26 2013

Mario Chalmers with children from the South Dade YMCA Family Center.

MIAMI, FL  – In partnership with CBS4’s Neighbors 4 Neighbors, two-time NBA Champion and Miami HEAT Point Guard Mario Chalmers brought a lot of joy and big dreams to 50 young aspiring basketball players (ages 9-14 years old) at the DREAM BIG event that took place at the South Dade YMCA Family Center on Wednesday, December 11^th.  Mario spoke to the children about his journey to the NBA and about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, putting education first, staying positive and dreaming big.

“Giving back to others has always been an important part of my life,” said Mario Chalmers, Miami HEAT Point Guard. “I want kids to know that they can do anything they put their minds to, have big dreams and should always strive to do their best.”

During the DREAM BIG event, Mario answered questions asked by the kids, signed autographs and took photos with his young fans.  Each child received a goody bag which contained basketballs and a DREAM BIG t-shirt from Spalding, ear buds by Skull Candy, SKYLANDERS video games, KIND snack bars, coloring books from Tattoo Manufacturing, Inc. and Miami HEAT sunglasses, headbands, folders and pencils. 

This is the second year in a row that the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation teamed up with CBS4’s Neighbors 4 Neighbors for the DREAM BIG event.  Last year, Mario visited children at the Village of Allapattah YMCA Family Center.  Mario started his basketball career at 10 years old, at a YMCA in Anchorage, Alaska.  

ABOUT THE MARIO V. CHALMERS FOUNDATION

The mission of the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation is to create and support community based programs that encourage the positive development of youth through sports and education and fund initiatives for breast cancer research and treatment.  Raising funds for women with breast cancer has been a major cause that Mario Chalmers has supported ever since a dear childhood friend’s mother passed away from the disease a number of years ago.  The foundation also strives to empower, inspire and enable youth to live healthy lifestyles, put education first and give back to their communities. Each activity supported by the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation encourages youths to stay positive and remind them that in times of adversity...we must perform.  For more information, please like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarioVChalmersFoundation or visit www.mariochalmersfoundation.com.

About YMCA of Greater Miami and the South Dade YMCA Family Center

The Y is the nation's leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y impacts the Greater Miami community by nurturing the potential of kids, improving individual and community health and well-being, and giving back to our neighbors. The Y connects our community through four Family Centers, three preschools, and many afterschool, youth sports and day camp programs throughout Miami-Dade County and the Upper Keys. The South Dade YMCA opened its new Family Center in 2013, serving more than 3,500 families. To learn more, visit www.ymcamiami.org, connect on Facebook or Twitter, or call toll free 877.969.9622 to find a Y near you.