(Logo credit: AI3 Leadership Academy website)
No matter where Anthony Ireland’s professional basketball journey takes him, he always comes back home to Waterbury to give back to the Brass City.
The former Crosby and Loyola Marymount University standout brings back his AI3 Skills Academy for its fourth year from June 27-29 at the Waterbury Police Activity League at 64 Division Street. The academy runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and will feature Ireland, Julio Vazquez, Ta’Quan “Tootie” Zimmerman and many more former city greats. The program is $125 for the three days and is for players 9-14 years of age. You can register your child for the academy on the AI3 Leadership Academy website. You can also contact Ireland, Vazquez or Zimmerman directly on social media to inquire about the academy.
A quote from Ireland, the founder of the academy, reads: “I love having the opportunity to connect and build with my community.”
Vazquez, the camp director, posted this on Instagram: “My thing is relationships. I’m so blessed to have the ability to connect with the younger generation in order to help them succeed in life. And what better way to do that than through the game WE love.”
Zimmerman said this when promoting the event on Instagram: “If you’re looking to get better as a person and at basketball then this is the perfect opportunity that you don’t want to miss!! Come spend a week, have a great time and learn from Pros.”
Ireland, Vazquez, Zimmerman and all those who help out with the academy as counselors are passionate about helping out the youth of Waterbury. They all bond through basketball, help teach life lessons, and are proof that if you work hard and pursue your passion, good things will happen.
