Hundreds of Alamedans migrated over to Bay Farm Island Monday, June 30, to watch the formal unveiling of Curry Court at Leydecker Park at 3225 Mecartney Road.

The court is named after Golden State Warriors’ point guard Stephen Curry. Curry graced the hundreds in attendance, including more than 30 toddlers who were selected to participate in a basketball clinic on the newly formed basketball court, with his presence. He shook hands and posed for pictures.

Before the clinic took place, Curry, a National Basketball Association all-star, Alameda Mayor Marie Gilmore and Alameda Recreation and Parks (ARPD) board member Mario Mariani spoke to those in attendance.

Mayor Gilmore spoke to the crowd about how pleased she was that the blue and gold court, the same color scheme as the Warriors, would provide a safe place for Alamedans to play the game of basketball and a greater opportunity to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Curry expressed his gratitude to those in attendance for coming to the event and for accepting and welcoming him and his family into the Bay Area community.

After words from the three speakers, Curry took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new court. After the ribbon cutting, Curry and 20 high school basketball players from around the world helped organize the clinic for the selected toddlers. 

The 20 basketball players took part in Curry’s select high school basketball camp earlier in the day. Five of the 20 players rank among the top 10 high school players in the country. Of the 20 players, one traveled all the way from China and another came from Belgium. The teenagers and toddlers took part in the clinic, which included agility, dribbling and shooting drills. 

The local Alameda Boys & Girls Club, Alameda Youth Basketball and ARPD invited the selected toddlers. 

Curry, the city of Alameda and Under Armour, a sport apparel company, teamed up to refurbish the court.

Contact Ekene Ikeme at eikeme@alamedasun.com.