by S. Rotan Hale
Melrose Park was buzzing with the sites, sounds and plenty of energized hustle Thursday June 11 as the Lea’s Youth Outdoor Basketball (LYOB) League got off to a roaring start.
Sportsmanship and interaction was the order of the day as an impressive turnout of 85 kids ages 11 to 15 registered, ($10 per), teamed up and took it to the hoops during the first day of the camp.
“The camp is open to all youth throughout the area. We will turn no kid away,” said Councilman Sherman Lea, Sr. who is one of the major organizers of the camp that bears his name. “You have to be still in school,” Lea said stressing one particular requirement. “If you graduated this year you are not eligible.”
Darning the camp’s colorful t-shirts, both girls and boys teams vigorously scrambled back and forth over the newly surfaced courts which were part of the impressive upgrades and donations that made the camp possible. The City’s transformation of the park has partially revitalized the neighborhood and energized local residents of this underserved area–triggering a much-needed moral boost.
Moving frantically about coordinating the teams prior to each game is James “Sweet Pea” Lynch, director of basketball operations for the program. As a local resident and basketball enthusiast, Lynch reportedly was instrumental in the initial development of the project. He said it was during a conversation he had with city officials after a City Council Meeting that he learned of funds allocated for projects in northwest Roanoke.
Due to his position in local government and connections to the community coupled with a love of sports, Councilman Lea was brought in to spearhead the project which gave it an official boost that led to the league’s inception and subsequent success.
“Because of what’s going on in other cities, this is a great time to do this,” said Lea. “This is not just about basketball but the concept is to create a situation where kids build character and develop a positive relationship with police.”
Lea spoke briefly about what he terms “Quality Moments” with guest speakers that will talk to kids about being good people, making proper life choices, self esteem, and respect,” and said “these kids need to know that regardless to where you come from you can be somebody.”
Understanding that communication is the key, a group of plain-clothes officers joined several in uniform for some much-needed bonding with area youth–perfectly creating some of those “Quality Moments.”
Lea said he was particularly grateful to area businesses and others who provided considerable funding and donations. Additionally he mentioned the many volunteers who are vital to the success of any project of this scope and scale.
On the second day of the camp, Chad Meyers with Elevation Academy, Del Ray Beach, FL gave an inspiring talk to the kids as part of Lea’s “Quality Moments” series.
Officer Joshua Johnson, who stood smiling in the midst of all the action said, “Last year we (RCPD) had talked about starting an organization with police officers centered around sports because that is what a lot of kids relate to and we really wanted to initiate that dialogue with the neighborhood kids… this is great!”
Whether fan or foe, watching some of these kids perform is an exhilarating experience as they masterfully handle themselves like little pros on the court. Hopefully the guidance from such programs as Lea’s camp (and others like it) will enhance their life skills and align them for a fulfilling life far beyond basketball.
The program runs through early July with games on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7pm. Various certified referees will rotate throughout the 5-week camp.
