October 1, 2007

ICC Sports Information

for immediate release

Pirates Score Big With Kids

Independence, KS- The Independence Community College Pirates men's basketball program has joined up with Washington Elementary school to provide mentoring and fellowship with the grade-schoolers. 

Every Monday and Friday for the past two weeks, starting September 17, 2008, the ICC Pirate men's basketball players have shown up to Washington Elementary to partake in recess with the elementary kids.  During this time, the players have had a chance to take some of the kids under their wings and mentor them.  It has also been a chance for the Pirates to enjoy being a kid once again and play outside, whether it is flag football, soccer, basketball, jump rope, four square, and pull-ups!  The kids seem to enjoy just about every type of activity with their new “BIG” friends.

The Pirates have really enjoyed their time at the school.  Being someone that the kids can look up to means a lot to them. 

“I really enjoy spending time with the kids playing football,” said freshman guard James Allen, from Little Rock, Arkansas.  “It shows that I am a role model for the kids and it feels good to play with the kids.  I am really glad that I can be someone for them to look up to as a role model.”

Washington principal Debbie Toomey had good things to say about the Pirates involvement at the school.  She especially noted the relationships that are being built and the importance of them.

“Relationships are very important at all levels," said Toomey.  "The relationship building done between the players and the kids has been vital.  It’s for their academic, emotional, and social well-being.  These guys are the kid’s heroes, they really look up to them.”

The Pirates also plan to make this a continuous event.  Head ICC Pirate men’s basketball coach Tommy DeSalme believes that the player’s involvement in the kid’s lives can have lasting impressions.

“It’s an opportunity for our players and program to make a difference not only at Washington elementary, but within the community," said DeSalme.  "We want to teach the kids to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

(Freshman Daniel Rowe, pictured back left, and sophomore TJ Stukes, pictured back middle, are posing with a group of kids after a game of basketball.)