NEW YORK — To celebrate the launch of Soda Shaq, all-natural line of cream sodas, AriZona Beverages and Shaquille O’Neal came together to give back to children, support sports and a healthy lifestyle. Shaquille O’Neal, the guest of honor, spoke from first hand experience about how playing in a camp like Basketball City as a kid gave him a safe place to play basketball and grow. Speaking to the campers, Shaquille O’Neal shared that his road to success was not easy but he believed he would achieve his goals. Shaq shared the importance of getting good grades, staying focused and encouraged the children to, “Follow your dreams, listen to your parents and you can be whatever you want to be.” As part of the initiative,Don Vultaggio, Wesley Vultaggio and Spencer Vultaggio of AriZona Beverages alongside Shaquille O’Neal presented a $5,000check to Lee Isenstein and Chris Kenny of Basketball City for ten underprivileged kids to attend basketball camp in Shaquille O’Neal’s honor. Basketball City helps teach children the fundamentals of basketball and the importance of team sports.
About AriZona
Founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1992, Arizona’s mission is to offer top quality beverages in uniquely designed packages that are accessible and affordable. AriZona Beverages — makers of the number one Iced Tea in America, holds a unique position in the global beverage industry with its iconic $0.99 big can and “keeping it real” no frills approach to the consumer market. AriZona never pays for glitzy advertising campaigns to gain consumer loyalty and is constantly ahead of the curve, carving out trends without the use of focus groups and market research. With a loyal following across various demographics, AriZona pulls its own inspiration from its fierce social media following and devoted fan base. To learn more about the AriZona lifestyle, please visit drinkarizona.com; Facebook: AriZonaIcedTea; Twitter: @DrinkAriZona
About Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is a four time NBA Champion and three time NBA Finals MVP. The recently retired, fifteen time NBA All-Star was named as both the highest ranked athlete in the NBA and the most influential in sports in 2011. With a PhD in Leadership and Education, this iconic marketing and social media marvel is ranked among the “100 Most Creative People in Business” byFast Company Magazine with an online presence that has grown to become the second most followed US athlete on twitter. As a celebrity, athlete, business professional, and comedian, Shaquille O’Neal has an enormous and devoted fan base across a variety of demographics. He is involved in many lucrative partnerships, most recently with AriZona Beverages USA LLC.
About BasketBall City New York
Basketball City @ Pier 36 is a new 125,000 sq. ft. “state of the art” Sports and Entertainment facility that is conveniently located off the FDR Drive and will host 700,000 visitors per year and 1,500 of the top corporations with its year-round programs: basketball programs (youth and adults), catered events, concerts, corporate events, fashion and trade shows, product launches, non-profit fundraisers, etc.