June 2024 marked two significant events for the Rising Stars Youth Foundation, reports founder Paul Savramis. The first was the foundation's hosting of five visiting teams, grades 5-12, from Ireland's National Youth Programs. The teams made a stop to scrimmage against Rising Stars teams at the Rising Stars Athletic Complex in Freeport.
This event was particularly special for Paul Savramis. Savramis has been a strong advocate for continuing the Rising Stars Foundation travel programs across the country and around the world since he first began the program 28 years ago.
"I can't think of a single thing Rising Stars has offered that impacts coaches, players, and families more than traveling together as a team," stated Paul Savramis. "We have been blessed with opportunities to see the world, and every trip has been a game-changer for our players."
The travel program has always been a big part of Savramis's way of raising awareness for his Rising Stars program and has always been embraced by all involved. Savramis credits trips to Italy, Israel, and, most recently, Greece with the program's development, but Switzerland will always hold a special place as the start of it all.
Paul Savramis spent eight years working with the late Charles McCormick there and can't say enough about that experience. "Charlie was amazing," Savramis recalls. "He was a dreamer and a visionary who convinced me I wouldn't need a translation of what I said as long as the kids enjoyed what we did. And he was right. We built that program from one small town to eight cities in eight years."
After that, international programs became a huge part of Paul Savramis's thinking and an equally significant part of Rising Stars' philosophy.
“The Irish team left Rising Stars with a great experience that will continue throughout the year as Rising Stars will help provide scholarship programs for two boys from the team," said Paul Savramis. That, Savramis continued, is in addition to an already existing international program that hosts players from France, Spain, Chad, Congo, and Ecuador. "Every boy who attends school through the international initiative has been a great addition to our programs, the schools they are enrolled in, and the community. It's a win-win for everyone."
Paul Savramis also credits Rising Stars director Dalmorlie Williamson for helping put these programs together and taking them "a notch higher" this summer in what marked the second international event for Rising Stars in June.
"Morlie has been a beacon for these kids, and his efforts caught the attention of promoter and fashion designer Sydney 'Juice' Cornell, who invited him to coach some Rising Stars players in the 2024 Namesak3x7uice tournament held in Paris," Paul Savramis said. "The event was a huge success, with the USA team beating France for the championship."
"It was incredible for me to hear how they did and how well this event was received," concluded Savramis. "These events are so much more than basketball for everyone concerned. The memories from each of them last a lifetime."
