Vaughan
October 16, 2008 10:53 PM
Keely Grasser
The students at a Woodbridge school received a big surprise last Friday. Actually, it was two very tall surprises.
Toronto Raptors Andrea Bargnani and Hassan Adams made an appearance in St. Peter Catholic Elementary School’s gym to answer questions from a very enthusiastic crowd.
The children’s cheers were earsplitting as they awaited their sports heroes, and the crowd — many of them sporting Raptors gear — jumped to their feet when Mr. Bargnani and Mr. Adams entered the gym.
The first question posed was whether either player had been to Woodbridge before.
Mr. Bargnani said it’s his third time, adding that he would like to visit more, because it’s a great place.
“It’s full of Italians,” he said.
Born in Rome, 7-foot-tall, 22-year-old Mr. Bargnani’s nickname is Il Mago, translated as The Magician.
“How many Italians do we have here?” he asked the crowd.
Judging from the thunderous response, there were more than a few students of Italian heritage in the audience.
Mr. Adams, when asked how he began playing basketball, said he started at age 8 or 9.
“I played for fun and after a couple of years, I just fell in love with it,” he said.
Mr. Bargnani revealed that it wasn’t just basketball that tickled his fancy as a youngster.
“In the beginning, I wanted to play soccer, like every Italian,” he said, laughing.
Students were also interested in learning the players’ favourite foods, most embarrassing moments and favourite subjects in school.
Asked who the hardest player to face in the NBA is, Mr. Bargnani said he thought it is Kobe Bryant and Mr. Adams said LeBron James.
And their goals?
“I can speak for everyone from the Raptors ... we want to win the championship, obviously,” Mr. Adams said.
Both said they are looking forward to an exciting season.
Students at the school are going to be a part of that.
At the end of the assembly, principal Dominic Mazzotta announced that the school is planning a trip to a Raptors game.
He said the school will return the favour of the players’ visit.
“I’m preparing you now,” Mr. Mazzotta told Mr. Adams and Mr. Bargnani. “Our students will prepare a huge banner. The fans may have difficulty understanding it. But both of you will understand us. It will say, ‘We are here, Andrea and Hassan!”