President Obama, have you got game?
Last week the Obama administration awarded over $2B for solar plants that will jump start the American renewable energy revolution or, for those who lean to the right, the foreign oil independence initiative. However, when looking at his own home, Barack Obama is not really practicing what he preaches. It is time to bring solar back to the White House.
Bill McKibben and 350.org are trying to get you and your fellow leaders to put solar on it too but I have a much simpler proposal. Bring the power of the sun to the White House Basketball court. Built in 1991 under George H W Bush and renovated by his son in 2006, with your apparent love of the sport it's amazing that the Bush boys are the ones who got game.
Built in '91 under George H W Bush
Here are three points to help you take the shot:
1. Extend the play
When you extend the playing time of sports facilities youth stay longer playing games and exercising. The country is worrying about it's growing obesity issue and first lady Michelle Obama planted the first seeds by creating the Organic Garden. It is time for you to push the second pillar of health, exercise. By incorporating LED solar lighting in the court, made right here in America, you are extending the game play and showcasing the opportunity to work out after lose long hours behind a desk.
next-gen LED solar lights made in the USA
2. Showcase reuse materials.
Last year we were fortunate enough to work on the Plastiki, a 60 ft catamaran made from 100% recycled PET. The team of designers and engineers got to play with all sorts of new 'green' materials and renewable systems including decking made from recycled basketball shoes. The Nike regrind material, installed by Ace Surfaces can also be used for indoor and outdoor sports facilities. It's so good that LeBron has it in his home in Akron.
LeBrons' court made from recycled shoes
3. Utilize sports as a mechanism for change
All around the world sports has been used as a mechanism for health, education, reconciliation and collaborative leadership. If their is one place that could use the later two it's in the halls of government. Right now our political leaders couldn't convene their way out of a paper bag.
We've designed and are building facilities from Rwanda to Brazil to Haiti that are bringing the future leaders together to find common ground. Perhaps a regular televised three on three night game between Democrats and Republicans might show true partnership and possibly healthier and in-shape politicians.
Take a leaf from Newark Mayor Cory Booker. A couple of times a month he plays a few late night pickup games in the community to understand the pulse of the city and to let constituents, who don't normally interact with politicians, air their concerns.
Mr. President, are you game?