HAMPTON — Each summer the city, through its Youth Violence Prevention office, provides free programs for youth and adults to beat the summer heat and keep the youth off the streets.
The Youth Violence Prevention Office was formed as a way of engaging young people by providing positive activities — from sports, mentoring, expression, training, summer employment, grants to grassroots community organizations, according to the city’s website.
This is one way Hampton is working to change individual lives and the community.
One of those programs, Hampton Hoops, has been described by the city as more than just basketball.
The city and community leaders partnered to create the program in the hopes that it would inspire participating youth to become representatives of a safe and secure community in Hampton and throughout, according to the city.
The free summer program offers basketball for three divisions based on age: 11-14, 15-17 and 18 and up for males and females who live in the city.
While the program is only in its second year, the numbers have already swelled from 219 total participants last year to 386 registered participants this year, said Corey Palmer, program coordinator for Youth Violence Prevention.
Gaining Interest
Some people who sat on the sidelines last year have signed up this year, seeing how fun it was, Palmer said.
He said program participants support each other and build connections with their community.
Another thing the program does is keep the youth off the streets and occupied doing something fun, he said.
Cameron Perry, a second year participant and coach this year, said the program has helped him connect with people in the area.
He said having the free program where he can play basketball has been really fun for him.
“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life,” Perry said.
Jason White, another coach with the program, has a similar sentiment.
“It’s something to do,” White said.
He likes that the program is free and that it encourages the younger players to come play basketball rather than be out on the street during the summer months between school.
White likes the fellowship aspect of the program as well, he enjoys playing with friends and being able to have a fun activity outside of work.
Shikyra Daily, a first time coach, is excited to get back out on the court after moving to Hampton.
She used to play in high school and really wanted to give back to her new community by offering her coaching skills.
Daily said she isn’t worried about playing on a co-ed team.
“As long as the guys pass the ball I’m alright,” she said.
The camp runs July 9 to Aug. 17 with two league-style games a week, ending in a tournament in August.
To learn more about the program click here.
