Alonzo Mourning bringing 50 youngsters from Miami to Obama inauguration

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The Miami Heat’s Alonzo Mourning is paying the way for 50 youngsters from Miami who will witness Barack Obama’s historic inauguration on Tuesday. The trip was arranged through his Alonzo Mourning Charities.

Mourning has been an Obama supporter since 2007. He has held a fundraiser for Obama’s campaign and hosted rallies on college campuses in Florida.

‘Man, you want all kids to see this,’ Mourning told Associated Press. ‘You really do. You want them all to see this. ... You really want all young people to see the significance of this and help them understand the significance of our new leadership. More importantly, I want my own children to see it. That’s why we’re here. And I’m really looking forward to Tuesday.’

‘All I’ve got to do is follow my heart, believe in my heart that I’m supporting and doing what’s right and I’m doing what’s going to help others in the process,’ Mourning said. ‘It ain’t about me. It’s a much bigger picture than me and what I have to say. It’s about so many other people that are dealing with some of the issues that America’s going through right now.’

Mourning, who suffered a serious knee injury in December, has said that he plans to return to the NBA.

-- Greg Johnson