Game Changers - Communicating The Message

[music]

[Reporter] Since taking a sign language class in high school, Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine

has been an advocate for the Deaf community.

[Zach] What's up man? What's up. What's up.

[Reporter] And today he is making his monthly visit to the Metro Deaf School in the Twin Cities,

a place he supported since arriving in Minnesota.

[Zach] Whenever I have an opening like today and I can make an impact on them

by just sitting next them and communicating.

You know, helping them out on little everyday activities.

[Susan] The children had seen videos of his slam dunks and things like that.

That, I think, was just the first eye-opener.

that wow, number one, he wants to come to this school

and that he has kinda set up a relationship with us,

where he has come every month.

But also that he can sign, on top of that. That I think just changed their view of what's possible.

[Student via interpreter] I was surprised when he showed up.

When he came to the class, we were kinda shocked. I was excited when Zach came in.

I was happy to see him.

It was my first time to meet him, in-person. It really inspired me.

[Student via interpeter] I remember the first day when I saw him I was in awe.

Then he gave us food, like breakfast and we, you know, all thanked him.

And we would ask him questions that first day.

And he was talking about doing well in school

and become a professional athlete.

[Reporter] While he is a professional athlete,

Zach's commitment to these children lets them know, he is no different than they are.

[Zach] I feel like people look at them differently, but it really is just you and me.

They just can't hear. They might not be able to talk, but they still know a language.

So I mean, me coming here, showing them I know this.

I took this class. I know how to sign. I can communicate with you.

And everybody is the same, so I don't want anybody to feel like they different.

[Student via interpreter] It made me really proud

and the Deaf community is proud as well.

You know a person, themselves, who can,

who wants to come to our school and work with the Deaf community.

And help us, thats great.

[Susan] He really can relate with every age, which is huge,

because a lot of people that come into a school, they really,

you know, high school only or only little ones.

But he really works with all of them and enjoys it.

[Cheetah song & drum]

[Reporter] While Zach connects with the kids on a personal level,

he never stops emphasizing the importance of education

and how schools like this can prepare deaf children to succeed in all facets of life.

[Susan] I think its certainly will have long term effect, in the aspect of,

they now know that things are possible.

And I think that, they have become a little more assertive.

[Zach] Its all about learning. You know, getting somewhere in life.

You know, you want to give everybody an opportunity to do that.

[Susan] Out motto is learning today, leading tomorrow.

So we are always looking at are Deaf children,

what might be cute when they are little,

is not cute when they are 10 or 11 years old.

We really are looking at, they are going to be leaders in the future.

Leaders of the Deaf community, as well as leaders in their field.

[Reporter] Whether it's on the court or in the classroom,

Zach will continues to be a beacon of hope for the Deaf community.

And a shining example of where hard work can get you.

[Susan] I think they all look up to him, not just in the physical stature,

but they really like that idea of, okay, if I work hard I can get A's.

If I work hard, I can read better. If can work hard, I can, you know, play in the NBA.

[Zach] Many things is hard work, that's what got me here.

That's what gonna continue to make me better, get me better in this league, is hard work.

So what you put in, is what you get out of it.

[Reporter] And throughout his visits, Zach learned something as well,

for someone who spends much of his time in the air,

these kids provide their own unique perspective.

[Zach] You stand grounded. You do so many different things,

you know, travel, you live in an unrealistic world as a basketball player.

You come back here

and you see how simple life is and how it really affects you.

How cool it can be to, you know, make an impact on somebody's life.

And, as I said, it brings you back, brings you back to earth almost.

And its just like, man, this is really cool. This is what we are here for.

[Reporter] And with role models like Zach LaVine, you don't need to hear anything,

seeing is believing.