Earlier we told you about the accident involving basketball player
Kenyon Martin and hip-hop performer Trina. Kenyon Martin, known on the basketball
court as K-Mart, is a power forward on the Denver Nuggets. He is one of the
highest paid players in the NBA, making about $15 million a year playing ball.
Tomorrow he will be the guest of honor at a basketball tournament organized
by Youth for the Future. Our 7NEWS team greeted K-Mart and Trina at the airport.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The man they call K-Mart on the basketball court arrived this afternoon with
his girlfriend and a message for the youths.
Kenyon Martin, NBA Player
“It is important for people like myself to give back for one, come
back and show people that we’re here and that we care and just show people
that we have a heart.”
Keith Swift,
Kenyon you’re probably being modest but you’re an NBA superstar.
You were a top draft choice and you play on the Nuggets. How big are you?
Kenyon Martin,
“Depends on who you ask, like you said I am modest as they come. I
am a regular human being like the next person, I had to work to get to where
I am, I don’t take anything for granted and so that is why I am here.
I know where I came from and I know the things that these kids are facing were
the same that I was facing in my neighbourhood growing up. So I am here just 
to, as you said, just to show them and teach them that there is a way out besides
violence and crime. There are things you can do with your life besides get in
trouble. That is why I am here to let the kids know.”
Youth for the Future is organizing a basketball tournament.
Dianne Finnegan, Director – Youth for the Future
“Having them being a part of this shows the interest that we have
in bringing these international figures to come in and lend their support and
to give some positive words for them to look forward to a positive future.”
Keith Swift,
How does it feel to let you know that even though you’ve never been to
Belize, you’re all the way over there, but yet your impact is being felt
here and will be felt here?
Kenyon Martin,
“It is a great thing. It warms my heart. Soon as I got off the plane
people knew who I am, I would have never thought that in a million years so
it just feels good for me to be here and people to welcome me.”
Dianne Finnegan,
“And I understand that you also studied criminal justice which is
so important for our young people to understand that even though you’re
a big NBA star, you took your education seriously and that’s a positive
message for our young people.”
Kenyon Martin,
“It definitely is. Thanks for having me and we going to make the best
of it and I’ll be back.”
When we checked this evening, organizers say that despite today’s
incident – events will proceed as planned tomorrow.
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