Joel Embiid writes back to girl who penned encouraging note after playoff loss

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Monday, June 10, 2019
Joel Embiid thanks young fan for sending encouraging letter
Joel Embiid thanks young fan for sending encouraging letter: Karen Rogers reports on Action News Mornings, June 10, 2019

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Here's an update to a story we brought you last month of a 9-year-old girl who wrote a touching letter to Philadelphia 76ers' star Joel Embiid, hoping to lift his spirits after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Seems like the star center was moved by her words, just as much as Sixers fans who saw our Action News story.

Moved by Sixers center Joel Embiid's tears after game 7, Olivia Djamoos penned a handwritten note as reported by Christie Ileto during Action News at 11 on May 13, 2019.

Embiid wrote Olivia Djamoos a letter back - and gave her a signed jersey.

"Dear Olivia, Thank you for the letter. Trust the process! Joel Embiid," Olivia read aloud. "And it's signed!"

The third grader, who also plays basketball, told Action News last month that she had lost games too, and she wanted to reassure Embiid that it's OK to lose games, as well.

While the NBA Finals might be a little different than third-grade hoops, her parents tell Action News her compassion and empathy for others is what they're most proud of, and believe that Embiid might have seen the same qualities in their daughter and her letter.

Joel Embiid writes back to girl who penned encouraging note after playoff loss. Christie Ileto has more on Action News at 10 p.m. on June 9, 2019.