Believe it or not, on Friday afternoon before the event, I received a call from Governor Patterson's office apologizing that could not attend the tournament as planned due to some of the recent political unrest up in Albany.  I was flattered, however, that he would even consider attending or felt the need to give me an explanation.  He also sent us a letter which I would be remiss if I did not share it with all of the attendees who made the tournament happen.  The letter read something like this:

Dear Friends:  I am delighted to send greetings to everyone gathered at the City College of New York for New York Shock Exchange Comes to Harlem.

Since its birth, the New York Shock Exchange has fused sports and business to give the City's school-age children a great head start on success.  Through hands-on lessons in investment management and basketball, the Shock Exchange teaches kids important life skills that transcend the court and the financial world to help them set and achieve meaningful long-term goals. 

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend the entire New York Shock Exchange organization for their many valuable contributions to our future leaders, the metropolitan community, and the Empire Sate.

With warmest regards, and best wishes for a terrific weekend.  

Sincerely,

David A. Paterson