Sony Johnson, who works for Alameda County’s Lead Abatement Program, was a pretty good basketball player in her playing days, and her skills have apparently rubbed off on her 10-yearold daughter, Deja, who is a good shot, too.
    Deja won $100 in a girls basketball free-throw shooting contest hosted by former NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson during the grand opening ceremony of the new 24-Hour Fitness Magic Johnson Sport Club in Oakland last Saturday.

    Mayor Jerry Brown and City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente joined Johnson for the ribbon cutting at the gleaming 47,000-square-foot complex at 3950 Alameda Ave.
   “It’s great to be in Oakland, and I want to thank all of you for coming out today,” said Johnson.
    The facility features rows of exercise equipment, an indoor pool, spa, steam room, sauna and an NBA-sized basketball court.
    Free food was served and residents filled out club membership applications.
    Hundreds lined up to get Johnson’s autograph on their basketballs. The line was so long it had to be cut off so the rest of the program could proceed.
    Johnson emceed a shooting contest that offered $24,000 to any of the pre-selected players (names were drawn from a pool of contestants) who could make four baskets from various areas of the court in 24 seconds.
    Only two contestants made their lay-up, free-throw and three-pointer before trying the half court shot. One of those was Leonard Stephens, CEO of Oakland’s OUR-TV. “I should have made my first free-throw,” said Stephens.
    Then Johnson called up groups of boys and girls to shoot free-throws. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several $100 bills for the winners, including Deja. “It was fun and I’m happy,” she said.
    Johnson also awarded a oneyear free club membership to a 65-year-old woman who was in great shape.
    The new club is the 11th location for a Magic Johnson Sport Club. Two others are in the East Bay. The Richmond facility opened in 2001, and two years later the San Leandro club opened.
    Los Angeles-based Magic Johnson Enterprises built and operates the Oakland club in conjunction with 24-Hour Fitness, based in San Ramon. Johnson has opened health clubs, Starbucks and movie theaters in urban areas. “I have always wanted to give back to my community,” he said. “And young people need to know there is more to life than sports. They can also run a business and be a success in that.”