Michele Y Wright, Pakt Youth Programs coordinator is seeking coaches and teams for the Operation Excel Basketball League, which is supported by the St. Louis County Housing Authority.
“For the last 2 years funding was depleted leaving us to barely make it. We have been blessed to operate, but we need the community’s involvement,” she tells the American.
“We are asking you place a notice to the public for Coaches and Teams to register with us.”
Registration continues at the Beverly Hills Police Department 7150 Natural Bridge and games will begin in February at the Family Investment Center in Jennings, 2560 Lordan Drive.
“The money received from the teams is our only way to currently operate,” Wright explains.
“We are asking also if there are any corporations or companies that you may know personally that are in the market to donate to worthy causes such as this. All donations will be greatly appreciated.”
The majority of participants are at risk youth and the Division 4 base, which includes 20 years old, has been expanded to accommodate more players.
Wright said the league’s results have been “impressive.”
(Pakt) has served more than 300 youths in 2008 and “promotes the dream of many to play the sport that may not have had an opportunity,” says Wright.
“When we have no funding this trickles to our players who have no sport to play leaving them to possibly channel this in a negative way.”
For more information please contact Operation Excel Basketball League’s John Buchanan at (314) 382-2992, Wright at (314) 524-2710 or visit www.paktcenter.org.