A Sundre constable who considers himself a "kid at heart" said the Small Hoops Basketball program provides a unique opportunity to engage youth.
"On a personal level, I'm a big kid at heart. I love to interact with the kids, and I hope that I can teach them as much on they teach me," Const. Eric Morris told the Round Up last week.
The basketball program, which is open to boys and girls in grades 4-6, started last Thursday, Jan. 12 and continues until March at the Sundre Community Centre's gym after school from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. It is the collaborative result of Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, Sundre Family and Community Support Services, the local RCMP detachment as well as Learn to Play.
"This is an extension of the program that Const. (Val) Dennis started," explained Morris.
"He has large shoes to fill, and was very well liked in Sundre, so I have my work cut out for me. We have some great community volunteers involved as well, so I think we are headed in the right direction."
The program's main objective is to provide the youth with an opportunity to have fun together, he said.
"And if they pick up some basketball skills along the way, that's even better."
Making available such recreational options for youth is valuable, he said.
"It is so important to get out and participate in sports or other social activities, especially when the weather gets cold. I think that this is a great opportunity for kids to develop teamwork and social skills that they can apply to other areas in their lives, as well as on the court."
Additionally, the program offers a unique chance for the police detachment to build bridges with local children, he said.
"Small Hoops is a great opportunity to meet these kids, and for these kids to get to know their local RCMP members. I hope that they feel that the local police are friendly and approachable. Programs like this involve kids in their community, and lay the groundwork for future positive community interactions."
Visit www.mygnp.org or call GNP at 403-638-1011 for more information.
