Former professional basketball players returned to the court Saturday to help some students in Elmont improve their mental health.

Klinic Sports organized a basketball clinic at Elmont High School where 75 children learned basketball drills as they boosted their mental wellness.

Kash Hameed is a former basketball player for Iona and Harlem school principal. He founded of Klinic Kids after he saw many students suffer from depression, anxiety and self-image issues due in part to the pandemic.

“For a lot of our kids, they don't have access to the help or people who can help them navigate through,” Hameed said. “So what we do is we use sports to draw them in and to give them a really great day. But once we have them, we bring in the whole piece of mental health wellness to strengthen that mental fortitude."

The coaches at the event were former college and professional basketball players who donated their time and knowledge. The drills include breathing exercises to help children deal with stress.

"They take a deep breath, release and then shoot. So we have them engage and practice in that they know if they're anxious, nervous or they're just stressed, that's a way to release and feel better," said Klinic Kids Wellness lead Sireen Irsheid.

The students participated in self-affirmation exercises.

"Our mantra for this clinic is, 'I am confident, I am committed, I am resilient, let's get it,'" Hameed explained.

The kids also made new friends and potentially life-long bonds. At the end of the clinic, many of the kids said they left with a stronger sense of self-esteem and confidence that will help them on and off the court.

"I think it's going to make me a stronger person because I'll be able to keep my emotions under control and I'll be a better ball player," said Sewanhaka High School Student Tamia Williams.

"It makes me believe in myself because of the techniques and people cheering me on, confidence, that's what you need in life," said Elmont High School student Jake Hilton.

Klinic Kids will be hold its next event in New Rochelle on April 8.

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