The Jr. NBA Program of the Year presented by Under Armour recognizes youth basketball organizations across the country that embody the core values of the Jr. NBA through their everyday programming and make an extraordinary impact on the youth in their communities.
The following six organizations have been named as the 2019 Jr. NBA Program of the Year finalists.
Boys and Girls Club of Lanier
Location: Gainesville, GA
Years in Existence: 65 years
Number of Kids Served: 6,000 boys and girls, ages 5-18
The Boys & Girls Club of Lanier has been running developmental basketball programs for the youth of Gainesville, GA for more than 65 years by emphasizing skill development, leadership, and community service. They work with the local Parks and Rec to run leagues and with the Atlanta Hawks on events for both kids and coaches!
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Lanier, visit www.boysgirlsclubs.com.
Bounce Out The Stigma
Location: Allendale, NJ
Years in Existence: 14 years
Number of Kids Served: 850 boys and girls, ages 8-21
Bounce Out The Stigma programs create nurturing environments for children with special needs to learn basketball at the fundamental level. Their curriculum focuses on motor skill development to build self-confidence and skills for kids of all ages regardless of ability. BOTS hosts programming with both the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers too!
To learn more about Bounce Out The Stigma, bounceoutthestigma.org.
City of Santa Ana Youth Sports Programs
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Years in Existence: 50 years
Number of Kids Served: 800 boys and girls, ages 3-14
The City of Santa Ana’s Youth Sports Programs teach the fundamentals of basketball, social skill development, and core values to more than 800 youth through trained volunteers. They also provide opportunities for kids, parents, and coaches to volunteer at after school programs and senior centers, and to attend Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Sparks games!
To learn more about The City of Santa Ana’s Youth Sports Programs, visit https://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/parks/programs-and-activities.
Girls Youth Basketball Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Years in Existence: 4 years
Number of Kids Served: 700 girls, ages 8-14
Girls Youth Basketball Las Vegas focuses on empowering and inspiring girls to play the game of basketball by teaching teamwork, goal-setting, and leadership! They also actively participate in community events with UNLV women’s basketball and the Las Vegas Aces.
To learn more about Girls Youth Basketball Las Vegas, visit www.GYBLV.com.
Memphis Athletic Ministries
Location: Memphis, TN
Years in Existence: 20 years
Number of Kids Served: 3,900 boys and girls, ages 8-18
Memphis Athletic Ministries serves hundreds of youth daily by offering free after school and summer programs such as recreation and team sports, and leadership, literacy, and career readiness programs. They encourage youth to volunteer in the community by cleaning up blocks and working at homeless shelters. Through their partnership with the Memphis Grizzlies, they co-host various youth events and attend Grizzlies and Hustle games!
To learn more about Memphis Athletic Ministries, visit www.mamsports.org.
The Basketball Embassy
Location: San Antonio, TX
Years in Existence: 5 years
Number of Kids Served: 4,100 boys and girls, ages 5-21
The Basketball Embassy runs recreational and elite youth basketball camps in the U.S. and overseas, with the goal of helping players and coaches use their passion for basketball to build success in life. TBE conducts weekly clinics and programming at two San Antonio area homeless shelters and will be hosting a camp with the Spurs Sports Academy.
To learn more about The Basketball Embassy, visit https://www.thebasketballembassy.com/.
The 2019 Jr. NBA Program of the Year winner will be announced on May 17, 2019 at the Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Leadership Conference presented by Under Armour.
https://jr.nba.com/jr-nba-program-of-the-year/
