On January 3, Coach Tom Newell arrived in Majuro to begin his 10 day trip to the Marshall Islands as part of the State Department’s Sports Diplomacy program. On his first day in Majuro, Coach Newell met with the RMI President and the RMI National Olympic Committee and Basketball Federation, sharing his plans to conduct local clinics for students, coaches and referees while in the Marshall Islands, and giving opportunities for all to take a look at the NBA Championship ring he won as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. His first day in Majuro culminated with a lively pick-up game of HORSE with some children and grandchildren of Embassy staff, with Ambassador Armbruster participating as well.
During the next 9 days of his trip, Coach Newell will be involved in several activities around Majuro, Ebeye, and Kwajalein, including meeting with students, holding layup contests, and a 3 x 3 single-elimination tournament. In addition, Coach Newell will conduct a Level 2 training course for coaches—the first of its kind in all of Oceania.
Coach Newell’s NBA career included working as an assistant coach for the Seattle Supersoncis, New Jersey Nets, and the Dallas Mavericks. Following his NBA career, Coach Newell has traveled to over 40 countries, teaching basketball fundamentals and encouraging kids to apply the skills of discipline and hard work to the rest of their lives. Coach Newell’s visit to the Marshall Islands has been met with enthusiastic support from RMI leaders, sports organizations and the public at large.
