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Former President Obama Joins Teens For Basketball Drills At South Side YMCA

CHICAGO (CBS) – Former President Barack Obama surprised 30 Chicago teenagers Thursday at a youth sports worship at the South Side YMCA.

Obama joined the teens – ages 14 to 18 – at a youth sports workshop organized by the Chicago Bulls and Obama Foundation Community Partner Pep Rally Takeover. The participants included players from the basketball team at the South Side YMCA, 6330 S. Stony Island Ave., the girls' basketball team at Simeon Career Academy, and CHAMPS Male Mentoring program.

President Obama At South Side YMCA
President Obama drops by a community event at the South Side YMCA in Chicago, IL on December 2, 2021. Please credit "The Obama Foundation." The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.
President Obama At South Side YMCA
President Obama drops by a community event at the South Side YMCA in Chicago, IL on December 2, 2021. Please credit "The Obama Foundation." The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.

President Obama joined the teens in a few basketball drills, but first briefly spoke about the impact that places like the South Side YMCA have in the community, and opportunities that will soon be available at the Obama Presidential Center just across the street, according to the Obama Foundation.

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President Obama drops by a community event at the South Side YMCA in Chicago, IL on December 2, 2021. Please credit "The Obama Foundation." The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.
President Obama At South Side YMCA
President Obama drops by a community event at the South Side YMCA in Chicago, IL on December 2, 2021. Please credit "The Obama Foundation." The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.

Bulls forward Patrick Williams and instruction coaches from the team were also present, as well as Bulls mascot Benny the Bull, Chicago Sky mascot Sky Guy, and the Chicago Sky championship trophy.

President Obama At South Side YMCA
President Obama drops by a community event at the South Side YMCA in Chicago, IL on December 2, 2021. Please credit "The Obama Foundation." The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.

Barack and Michelle Obama will be in Chicago Thursday and Friday. They were also set to meet with community leaders who help combat a number of challenges in their neighborhoods.

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