Worthy de Jong inspires 3X3 Leaders during his book presentation
On December 8, the 3X3 Unites Academy was the stage for an evening full of stories about and behind Goud, the new book by Worthy de Jong. Together with author James Worthy, he was a guest at the 3X3 Unites headquarters, spoke with the 3X3 Leaders who were present, and took them along in his inspiring story
The book follows Worthy’s journey from his childhood in the Bijlmer to the world stage of 3x3 basketball, with the Olympic gold medal as the highlight. But Goud goes far beyond sports. It touches on themes such as identity, opportunity, art, culture, hope, and the drive to keep going, and shows that everyone can strive for their own “gold.”
It fit perfectly within the program of the 3X3 Unites Academy: a deeper learning track for young people who have completed the 3X3 Leader Course. The goal of the academy is to keep the young people involved in the 3X3 Unites community, to inspire them, and to offer them even more perspective and opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
“I thought it was very special to see that all those young people had come to hear my story, that meant a lot to me,” said Worthy, who grew up in the Bijlmer himself. He was always found on the local courts, where he learned to trust his intuition and to dare to chase his dreams. Today, he is not only the face of 3x3 basketball, but also an example for young people who want to pursue their own dreams on the courts.
“I think it’s important that we create as many role models as possible who are close by,” Worthy said. “That way we make sure that young people don’t only see their role models on TV, but that they experience that they live in the same environment and are very approachable. It can inspire young people to become role models themselves.”
After everyone arrived, a panel talk took place. In it, Worthy stressed to the young people that where you come from does not have to say anything about where you end up. “Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream. And especially, ask for help if you need it. In a community, brotherhood is built on daring to ask things.
When asked what he takes away from meeting Worthy, he didn’t have to think long: “During your personal journey, it doesn’t matter how many medals or trophies you win. What matters most is that you have fun in what you do. That you can push yourself together with the people around you, and that together you always achieve more than alone.”
After the panel talk, the young people had the chance to ask all their questions to Worthy and James during a Q&A. “I really enjoyed talking with those young people, it makes me very grateful,” James said. “It took me seven years to finish high school and I was held back twice. But I still became a writer. Keep going, keep dreaming. That is what I want to give the young people.”
For the book, James traveled with Worthy to training sessions and tournaments inside and outside the country. “Worthy is special because he is a creative, vulnerable man. But also tough and from the streets. He is a multitasker with a thousand faces, that’s what I love about him,” James said. “And I also learned something from him: Worthy made me realize that I should care a bit less about what others think of you.”
After the Q&A, all the young attendees received a signed copy of the book, and both the young people and Worthy and James challenged each other in a small shooting contest to see who could score the most shots. Sharing the court and having fun together. Worthy also brought a video that he watched together with the young people. “It was a really great evening,” Jeremy said. “Worthy is truly a role model for me: he always dares to be himself and finds joy in everything he does. That motivates me to keep going with what I’m working on.”
