The heartwarming tale of 11-year-old Vanessa Lewis and her fellow campers at the Warriors youth basketball camp has left basketball enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. It wasn’t the usual on-field ceremony, instead, it became an event where the young campers took center stage in crafting enduring memories for the NBA champions.
During the customary ring presentation, the pair, Bjelica, and Chiozza, were distant, engaging in overseas play. Stars aligned, and the stars returned for this unique and unforgettable moment.
Bjelica, who traveled from Belgrade, Serbia, via Istanbul, Turkey, was left awestruck when fellow campers Amari Chiefelk and Will McCloskey surprised him with his dazzling 2022 championship ring.
Emotions in his eyes spoke volumes as he exclaimed
The sentiment was shared by Chiozza, who had been in Atlanta and recently played in Spain.
What made this moment even more special was the presence of the enthusiastic youth campers. Senior camp director Jeff Addiego rallied the kids to cheer and scream, creating an incredible atmosphere for the players to emerge from the Warriors’ former weight room area and receive their cherished rings.
“It is, I ain’t seen him in a long time. That’s my guy right here,” Chiozza said, clearly touched by the unexpected reunion with Bjelica. Both players were delighted to share the joy with the young athletes, who looked up to them with admiration.
For Bjelica, the opportunity to play alongside the legendary trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson was a dream come true.
As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, the NBA champs signed team photos for each camper, leaving behind cherished mementos.
“It was really amazing to see pros in person,” said 11-year-old McCloskey, who was over the moon to be chosen for this exceptional role. Young athletes cherished the memories and marveled at the chance to interact with their basketball heroes.
For the campers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be etched in their hearts forever. The joy, the surprise, and the sheer delight on the faces of Bjelica and Chiozza will remain a testament to the power of sports to create unforgettable moments.
