Community, Sports & Youth Engagement with Sam Thompson 🏀

In this episode of the Thorn City Syndicate Spotlight Show, host Na’eem Hall sits down with Seeznin (Sam Thompson)—a well-respected community leader, mentor, and sports advocate who has dedicated his life to uplifting Portland’s youth through sports, mentorship, and service.

Seeznin shares his journey from being an athlete to becoming a pillar of leadership in the Portland community. He discusses how his experiences growing up, attending 13 different schools, and building relationships across diverse communities shaped his ability to connect, mentor, and give back.

As the founder of Next Level Sports Entertainment and the Director of the Base 55 Foundation, Seeznin is actively involved in empowering young athletes and underserved families. He also discusses his latest initiative, the Mike James Elite AAU team (@mikejameselite), and his new role in revitalizing the Portland Pro-Am Summer League.

Key Highlights:

✅ The power of sports as a tool for youth development and community-building

✅ The origin of Next Level Sports Entertainment and its impact on the Portland sports scene

✅ The Base 55 Foundation (@base55foundation), co-founded with Mike James (@mikejameselite), and its focus on youth engagement and service

✅ Revitalizing the Portland Pro-Am Summer League and its significance in professional basketball development

✅ The challenges young athletes face and the importance of mentorship and networking

✅ How event promotions led to a career in community activism

✅ Strategies for engaging youth in positive, community-driven activities

About Our Guest: Seeznin (Sam Thompson)

Seeznin is a community-driven entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment through sports. He is the founder of Next Level Sports Entertainment, the Director of the Base 55 Foundation, and the organizer of the Mike James Elite AAU team (@mikejameselite). His work has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young athletes, fostering leadership skills, and supporting underserved families in Portland.

📌 Connect with Seeznin & His Work:

🌐 Instagram: @seeznin

🌐 Twitter/X: @seeznin503

🌐 Mike James Elite: @mikejameselite

🌐 Base 55 Foundation: @base55foundation

🌐 Website: http://www.base55foundation.org

🚀 Call to Action: Get Involved!

🔥 Support the Base 55 Foundation! Help create opportunities for youth and families in need of extra love. Visit Base55.org or follow @base55foundation for updates on upcoming events.

🏀 Follow Mike James Elite AAU Team (@mikejameselite and give them some support as they compete on the Adidas circuit!

👀 Stay Tuned for Pro-Am Summer League 2025

Bringing back NBA-level competition, community engagement, and Portland vs. Seattle rivalries!

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🎙️🔥 Listen & Watch the Full Episode Now!