Carmelo Anthony: Five Ways ‘Melo Made Olympic History

5. Visiting The Favelas

It may not be an actual example of making Olympic history, but Carmelo Anthony changed lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He didn’t just enjoy his time in Brazil as a tourist, but instead immersed himself in the culture.

Anthony visited the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. While there, he had his portrait painted, met the inhabitants, and played a pickup game.

This may seem like just another cool moment, but it could end up being quite historic. Anthony is an NBA superstar with global fame who visited a part of the city that’s not often visited by noteworthy individuals.

Merely showing up could inspire the next generation of Brazilian basketball stars to follow in Anthony’s footsteps as NBA players.

The fact that he actually took the time out to play a game with the kids in the favela is an example of this. Not all, but some of those kids—and those who merely heard the legend of this happening—will be

Thank you for everything you’ve done for your country and others, Carmelo Anthony.

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Cheers to an extraordinary international basketball career.