NBA Coach & Vegan Lifestyle Advocate Opens Free Basketball Camp For Tucson Teens

NBA Coach, former Arizona Wildcat, and Vegan Lifestyle Advocate Joseph Blair just launched a brand-new camp for underserved high school students here in Tucson — the Mama Blair Basketball Camp.

The camp, which is on Friday, July 26 (1 – 5 p.m.) and Saturday, July 27 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) will cater to approximately 70 high school students between the ages of 13-18 years old at Pueblo High School.

Among other notable coaches who have volunteered to help with the camp are Nick Friedman of the Charlotte Hornets and Mahmoud Abdelfattah who was formerly with the Houston Rockets and Sydney Kings.  

Blair, who’s also referred to as “The Vegan Coach,” is known for his dedication to veganism and “conscious living.” Given his passion for plant-based food, he’s teaming up with Si Charro! Restaurants, including The Monica, so the kids and staff at the camp can have vegan lunches and snacks.

Blair is pumped about introducing plant-based food to the players, emphasizing the “energizing nature of vegan cuisine.” As a plant-based athlete, he attributes increased energy levels and focus to veganism, highlighting the importance of health and wellness for professional athletes aiming to perform at their best.

“It will be fun to introduce our players to plant-based food,” said Blair. “I can’t wait to show all the kids how delicious and energizing vegan food can be.”

Mama Blair Basketball Camp, named after Blair’s mother, Judith Blair, AKA Mama Blair, was designed to provide kids, who would not have otherwise had the opportunity, to attend free of charge.

The goal of the camp is to promote fun, teamwork, self-esteem, and a sense of community and will be led by a handful of NBA and local Tucson coaches.

Mama Blair passed away from lung cancer at the age of 71.

When asked why Blair was so passionate about this camp he stated, “I’m excited to re-ignite a camp in Tucson, and what better way to honor my mother, Judith, in the process! Her energy and love for both basketball and the city of Tucson will live on.”

Registration for Mama Blair’s Basketball Camp, which is from Friday, July 26 – Saturday, July 27, is open now until Friday, July 19. The camp is accepting about 70 students so sign up sooner than later!

Mama Blair’s Basketball Camp is happening at Pueblo High School, 3500 S. 12th Ave. For more information and to register for the free camp, visit secure.qgiv.com.