Abdul-Jabbar kicks off NIGA 2010

From a press release:

NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Sycuan Chairman Danny Tucker provide opening remarks at Indian Gaming 2010 in San DiegoNBA Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Danny Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians and Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), kicked off the Indian Gaming 2010 Trade Show and Convention by welcoming tribal leaders and participants to the event at the San Diego Convention Center.

Abdul-Jabbar, the 7-foot-2 inch center who dominated the basketball court for two decades and holds the NBA All-Time Leading Scorer record, now works to reduce poverty through his Skyhook Foundation. Skyhook promotes academic and athletic excellence among teens.

"It's very important what you have been able to do with gaming," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar told 5,210 registrants on the convention's opening day.

"One aspect of this vision is making it possible for the families in your communities to develop and strengthen strong bonds," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Family is something that has not always been a thriving aspect of our communities, but that is changing, and the bonds you have with your children and the opportunities they have now to educate themselves will allow your communities to grow into the future."Comment:  I was five minutes late and had to go straight to our booth, so I missed the kick-off event.

For more on the subject, see NIGA 2010 (Day 2) and NIGA 2010 (Day 1).