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Joseph Blair, a former Arizona standout and ex-assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards, continues to offer his meaningful work toward helping Tucson’s youth and also honoring his mother Judith, who was influential in the community before her passing in 2019.
Blair, also a noted vegan lifestyle advocate, has announced the launch of the “Mama Blair Basketball Camp” that will include approximately 70 underserved high school students between the ages of 13-18 at Pueblo High School on July 26-27.
In an Instagram post, Joseph also announced the City of Tucson is partnering with Blair family and friends to renovate the basketball courts at Palo Verde Park and name the courts after his mom.
Judith passed away from lung cancer at the age of 71. She was known in the community for her advocacy of organ donorship after she donated one of her kidneys to Dr. Michael Burgoon, a University of Arizona professor whom Joseph knew during his basketball playing days with the Wildcats from 1992-96.
The Mama Blair Basketball Camp 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.
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.
The “Vegan Coach,” as Joseph is called, is known for his dedication to veganism and “conscious living.”
Given his passion for plant-based food, Blair has chosen to have Si Charro Restaurants and The Monica provide vegan lunches and snacks for the kids and staff at the camp.
Blair expressed excitement about introducing plant-based food to the players, emphasizing the delicious and energizing nature of vegan cuisine. As a plant-based athlete, Blair 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,” Blair said in a press release. “I can’t wait to show all the kids how delicious and energizing vegan food can be.”
When asked why he was so passionate about this camp, Joseph 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.”
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