RSSYMCA program gives Valley kids a fighting chance
For the Yakima Herald-Republic
ANITA TADLOCK/for the Herald-Republic Rosie Lee, coordinator for Hoops for Hopes
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The hoopsters' audience raised $1,600 -- a couple of hundred dollars more than last year -- toward the overall goal of $200,000.
Hoops for Hope is one of the campaign's annual staples, involving some of the same kids that the Y seeks to support.
About 100 kids played basketball at the March 15-16
tournament instead of doing other things, including getting into trouble. Dozens of players' families attend.
"The best part is the family interaction keeps more kids away from drugs and alcohol, and out of gangs," said Rosie Lee, whose husband, Eric Lee, coordinated the program for the YMCA.
At the event, it was obvious these kids were enthusiastic about taking to the court for a good cause. At times, their scrambling for the ball closely resembled a wrestling match. But they also proved they know how to play, setting up plays and assists, including downcourt tosses to a player below the basket.
Hoops for Hope raises money for the Y's Eastside Sports Program, which started 15 years ago to provide access to sports for underprivileged kids in the poorer sections of Yakima. The program helps kids who might not have been able to take part in sports before. And those involved say they can see a difference in the kids once they are given a chance.
"We started out with a group of hard-headed kids and brought them together as a team," said Shawn Batten, coach of the Clovers team.
Clovers players Jada Harding, No. 19, and Kendra Olsaya, No. 13, both had their uniform numbers scrawled on their foreheads. They said playing on the team is fun and gives them a chance to be around friends.
Another player, Julissa Nunez of the Pirates, said, "The YMCA can help you make a difference in someone else's life."
Nunez said she would probably have spent the weekend doing homework if the tournament didn't exist.
Eric Lee, the former Eastside Sports coordinator for the Y, said Hoops for Hope is the kids' chance to give back to the program that they are able to be involved in for free.
The kids seek out donors who pledge to give a certain amount of money for each basket they make. The shootouts are held the week before the tournament and in between games.
The Y's Campaign for Youth raises money to help underprivileged children play for free such sports as soccer, basketball, or baseball, as well as providing membership scholarships for kids who can't afford the regular fees.
The money benefits students like Patrick Brown, a 15-year-old freshman at Davis High School. Brown didn't play in the tournament this year, but he helped out.
He said it's an exciting opportunity and all the kids who participate really have fun. He also said he joined Eastside Sports about six years ago to keep himself out of trouble.
Brown said he believes the program allows kids to do what they want in sports and keeps them off the streets.
The Hoops for Hope program is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 15. About 10 teams participated in the 2008 two-day tournament, which wrapped up March 16, when teams returned to receive medals and trophies.
* More information about how to support the Campaign for Youth is available by calling the Yakima Family YMCA at 248-1202.
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