“Team Oden” set to begin
The Portland Trailblazers star Center, and our favorite NBA basketball player- Greg Oden has teamed up with the Oregon Mentors, a non profit organization to unify youth mentoring programs throughout the state or Oregon. The organizing of “Team Oden” is planning to assist the Oregon Mentors to reach their goal of connecting to 40,000 youth with a caring adult mentor by the year 2010.
Greg has this to say about the program: “Every kid should have someone in their life that can support and encourage them,” Oden said. “Without strong mentors, I wouldn’t be here today.”
As part of his partnership with Oregon Mentors, Oden has purchased a block of 30 tickets to each Trail Blazers home game for mentors and mentees. Throughout the year, Oden will also host events that will allow him to spend time with Team ODEN mentors and the youth they support.
“We are excited to be working with the Trail Blazers, and with Greg Oden in particular,” said Carolyn Becic, executive director for Oregon Mentors. “Greg personally knows the impact a mentor can have on a young man’s life. Having Greg be part of our organization will not only raise awareness about the need for mentors in our state, but will also reward those who have shown their dedication to mentoring youth.”
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can sign up for Team ODEN at www.oregonmentors.org, or learn about more than 100 affiliated mentoring programs throughout the state of Oregon.