Magic Players Visit Florida Hospital for Children
By Dan Savage
December 18, 2009
ORLANDO – Orlando Magic offseason acquisitions Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass are finally getting accustomed to their new roles on the court. And now, they’re settling into their roles in the Central Florida community as well.
The three Magic players visited the Florida Hospital for Children on Tuesday and played the part of Santa Claus as they handed out gifts and spent time with young patients.
“It’s great to come to the Florida Hospital, a place like this, and be able to put smiles on kids’ faces,” Bass explained. “Just to be around them, it’s good energy. It’s a blessing for me to come out here and show support for those who support us.”
Bass, along with his two teammates, dropped by the rooms of countless patients and put their support on display by engaging in conversations and joining in on activities such as arts and crafts.
They also spread some holiday cheer by handing out gifts to the kids, including autographed items, board games, movies and more.
“This is amazing to do something like this and bring joy to kids during Christmas time,” Anderson said. “It’s the season of giving. I really enjoy giving back to the community, because they’ve given so much to us.”
The Magic’s visit especially touched 17-year-old Cornelius Turner, who has spent the last nine months in the hospital.
“It means a lot to me,” he explained with a smile stretched wide across his face. “For guys like them to take time out of their busy schedule and come out and visit kids with horrible situations and that are going through a lot, it’s really inspiring. “
Turner had the special opportunity to act as a tour guide for the players as they made their stops around the hospital. And he made a memorable impact when he performed a few verses of his own rap lyrics, which detail the challenges he’s faced over the course of his life.
“He’s a great rapper,” said Anderson, who’s been working on a rap project with Magic shooting guard J.J. Redick. “We’re coming out with something soon. We might feature him on (a track). I like the fact he (performed) in front of a full crowded room. It was awesome, it was an inspiration.”
It’s stories like Turner’s that give motivation to Carter and make each of his many charitable acts a unique experience.
“It never gets old,” the eight-time All-Star explained. “You always learn something new, you’re always meeting a new young person, who has a different story and a different motivation.”
By Dan SavageDecember 18, 2009
ORLANDO – Orlando Magic offseason acquisitions Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass are finally getting accustomed to their new roles on the court. And now, they’re settling into their roles in the Central Florida community as well.
The three Magic players visited the Florida Hospital for Children on Tuesday and played the part of Santa Claus as they handed out gifts and spent time with young patients.
“It’s great to come to the Florida Hospital, a place like this, and be able to put smiles on kids’ faces,” Bass explained. “Just to be around them, it’s good energy. It’s a blessing for me to come out here and show support for those who support us.”
Bass, along with his two teammates, dropped by the rooms of countless patients and put their support on display by engaging in conversations and joining in on activities such as arts and crafts.
They also spread some holiday cheer by handing out gifts to the kids, including autographed items, board games, movies and more.
“This is amazing to do something like this and bring joy to kids during Christmas time,” Anderson said. “It’s the season of giving. I really enjoy giving back to the community, because they’ve given so much to us.”
The Magic’s visit especially touched 17-year-old Cornelius Turner, who has spent the last nine months in the hospital.
“It means a lot to me,” he explained with a smile stretched wide across his face. “For guys like them to take time out of their busy schedule and come out and visit kids with horrible situations and that are going through a lot, it’s really inspiring. “
Turner had the special opportunity to act as a tour guide for the players as they made their stops around the hospital. And he made a memorable impact when he performed a few verses of his own rap lyrics, which detail the challenges he’s faced over the course of his life.
“He’s a great rapper,” said Anderson, who’s been working on a rap project with Magic shooting guard J.J. Redick. “We’re coming out with something soon. We might feature him on (a track). I like the fact he (performed) in front of a full crowded room. It was awesome, it was an inspiration.”
It’s stories like Turner’s that give motivation to Carter and make each of his many charitable acts a unique experience.
“It never gets old,” the eight-time All-Star explained. “You always learn something new, you’re always meeting a new young person, who has a different story and a different motivation.”
