The past several years has been very challenging for youth especially those within the inner city community. The lives of our youth have been greatly impacted by the pandemic of the coronavirus and as a result of the dramatic racial tensions that have resurfaced in the country. In an authentic effort to foster open dialogue and a mutual respect for all human persons within the community and recognize full player potential, Doug Hill of Blueprint Basketball and Fr. Jonathan have come together to form a competitive fall league The main purpose of this league is more than the development of athletic skill, rather the goal is to strengthen the relationships that have already begun to develop between local businesses/organizations/elected officials and the youth of our community.
Doug, as always, brings his knowledge of basketball along with his upbringing to continually motivate and challenge the players on and off the court. Fr. Jonathan as pastor, has continually offered a safe space for the young people to grow in new ways providing opportunities and experiences that have not perhaps been yet recognized. Fr. Jonathan also serves as a chaplain for the WPD and WFD which allows opportunities for him to assist in positive relationship building between the many within the community.
The funds raised during this basketball league will go directly towards youth community programming at St. Bernard’s Gym. The discipline gained through sports greatly assists all youth in growing into the human persons they are called to be. St. Bernard’s is excited to provide the opportunity for our youth to cultivate, grow and mature not just physically but to engage fully all aspects of the human person. As St. John Paul II stated, “playing sports has become very important today, since it can encourage young people to develop important values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing and solidarity.”
Thank you to all those who are sponsoring this great league and assisting our youth.