Athletes As Educators

Jamael "Horse" Lynch grew up in the Williamsburg projects and went on to play national and international basketball in France and Germany, as well as with teams such as the Erie Bayhawks and LA Defenders of the NBA D-League, and the North Dallas Vandals. Lynch had a stellar college basketball career at SUNY Cobleskill, University of Rhode Island and University of Massachusetts Lowell. After much success on the court he was determined to give back to inspire youth. Lynch, started the Big and Little Skills Academy (BALSA), a 501c3 certified non-profit, dedicated to elevating the lives of young people through the game of basketball. Launched in 2012 in New York City, BALSA has evolved into a premier, nationally-reaching youth development organization inspiring a holistic healthy lifestyle and mindset for the children it serves. The Academy currently runs a network of basketball camps that teach leadership skills, self-esteem building, time management skills, peer relations skills, healthy habits, stress relief,