School is almost over!! Before you head off for your summer holidays,  I thought I’d leave you with a demonstration of character by an All-Star professional basketball player and coach.

Before a pro game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks in 2003, 13 year-old Natalie Gilbert began singing the American National Anthem, then, in what would certainly be a nightmare for all of us, forgot the words.

In her moment of horror, Portland coach Maurice Cheeks, a 15-year NBA veteran and four-time All-Star, comes to her aid, standing beside her, singing along and encouraging the crowd to join in.

As you’ll see, singing isn’t in Cheeks’ comfort zone, and he later said he wasn’t even sure whether he knew all the words, he only knew he didn’t want her to stand there helpless. She needed help, so he stepped forward

He’s a class act. But he’s only demonstrating the same ethics and motivations that drive most of our scholastic PE teachers and coaches.

Enjoy the video and have a great summer!