‘Magic transcends generations.’ Magic Johnson surprises a group of seniors in Liberty City.
A group of senior citizens in Liberty City got a special surprise Thursday morning.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson made a special appearance at the Simply Games held in Charles Hadley Park. Hosted by the Simply Healthcare HMO, the Olympic-style competition gave more than 100 seniors the opportunity to participate in numerous events like free-throw contests and relay races.
“They think this is great for them, but it’s amazing for me to bless them and be able to hug them and say thank you to them,” Johnson, 60, said.
Johnson, who serves as an ambassador for Simply Healthcare, spent the better part of two hours giving hugs, taking pictures and cheering on the seniors, much to everyone’s delight. Seniors and volunteers alike dropped what they were doing at the sight of the Hall of Famer’s smile. At one point, Johnson even joined in as a group line danced to the “Electric Slide.”
“Magic transcends generations,” said Carlos Fernandez, Simply Healthcare’s vice president of sales and marketing. “You saw the reception that he gets, how personable he is in talking to the people.”
One woman in particular shared a unique interaction with Johnson. Benita Ivory was thrilled when the Los Angeles Lakers legend planted a kiss on her forehead.
“I’ve always seen him on TV,” the 74-year-old Miami native said, “so it was a special moment to actually be next to him and to touch him.”
Moments like that are what warmed Johnson’s heart. With COVID-19 threatening the health of seniors, he could’ve easily avoided the event. Then again, that wouldn’t be Magic-like.
“I‘m going to be me,” Johnson said. “I’m not a person who’s going to shy away. Of course we all got to be careful. We all will be. We’ll wash our hands, we will do the things that we’re supposed to do, but these people came for hugs.”
This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 4:55 PM.
