Slam Dunk

Dallas Mavs and Scottish Rite for Children partnership is a slam dunk

When it comes to sports injuries, the best offense is a good defense. That's why the Dallas Mavericks have teamed up with Scottish Rite for Children. Together, the all-star alliance provides young athletes with the tools they need to excel on and off the court.

"It's important for athletes to develop healthy habits because it will allow them to play the game longer," says Dr. Henry B. Ellis, pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children. "In addition, they have more fun, feel better while they play, and will likely be a better competitor."

Scottish Rite for Children has been the official health partner for the Mavs Basketball Academy for the past three years. This year, they launched "Warm Up the RITE Way," a program that includes exercises hand-selected by sports physical therapists to help athletes — both beginner and advanced — build a proper foundation.

Knee and ankle injuries are the most common among basketball players, and most of the time, they are preventable with proper education for kids, parents, and coaches. The Dallas Mavericks integrated "Warm Up the RITE Way" into the beginning of its Hoop and Development Camps this summer, where hundreds of athletes were taught fundamentals to help them keep playing for as long as they want — even all the way to the NBA.

By teaching players how to move correctly and engage the right muscles before playing, Scottish Rite for Children and the Mavs hope to make an impact before they are injured and need treatment.

"These habits really start off the court, with developing a healthy sleep routine, learning how food fuels the body for sports, and staying hydrated well before the game," says Ellis.

In addition to "Warm Up the RITE Way," the Mavs and Scottish Rite for Children are educating families of young athletes on topics such as overuse injuries, balance, nutrition, and hydration. The goal is to help young and growing athletes develop strong muscles, joints, and bones and a lifestyle that helps kids stay on the court and off the bench.

Ready for some info right now? Scottish Rite for Children and Mavs guard J.J. Barea surprised players at Mavs Hoop Camp this summer for a fun game of horse and tips to continue playing the "RITE" way. Click here to learn more.

The groups are teaming up to make sure kids develop healthy habits early.

Photo courtesy of Scottish Rite for Children

The groups are teaming up to make sure kids develop healthy habits early.

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Politics News

Dallas narrows down field for new city manager to 4 candidates

Photo by R K on Unsplash

This is an Dallasite's sign to launch that small business they've been dreaming of.

After six months without a city manager, the city of Dallas has narrowed down the field of replacements to four semifinalists including one serving as current interim city manager, plus candidates from Fort Worth, Michigan, and Georgia.

Dallas has been without a city manager since May, when previous city manager T.C. Broadnax left to take a job with the city of Austin. Since that time, Broadnax's former chief of staff Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has served as interim city manager.

The city retained Baker Tilly, a consulting firm, to recruit and compile candidates. (Baker Tilly famously erred in the brochure it created for the position by featuring a photo of the Houston skyline instead of Dallas; they've since replaced it with Dallas.)

A spokesperson for Baker Tilly did not respond to inquiries but according to D Magazine, an email listing the candidates has been sent to the Dallas City Council.

The semifinalists include:

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas’ current interim city manager
William Johnson, an assistant city manager in Fort Worth
Mark Washington, the city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Zachary Williams, a county chief operating officer in Georgia

All have more than 25 years' of public administration experience and have worked in similar capacities in their respective cities.

Before working in Fort Worth, Johnson was Baltimore’s transportation director and Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer and public works commissioner.

Washington worked in Fort Worth and Austin before becoming Grand Rapids’ city manager.

Williams has mostly worked in Georgia at the county level, including serving as county manager in Fulton County and chief operating officer in DeKalb County.

Tolbert began working for the city in 1998, first as the city manager’s assistant and later in the aviation department. Broadnax hired her as his chief of staff in 2017.

Unlike the Mayor and the Dallas City Council, the city manager position in Dallas is not elected but is instead appointed by the city council, and is tasked with executing policies, overseeing the annual budget, and managing staff at city hall.

The council’s Ad Hoc Committee will choose finalists, introduce them to the public, and make an offer in early 2025.

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