Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Upward Basketball is concluding its season with an awards program Saturday at 5 p.m. in Lakeview Middle School gym.
More than 2,000 parents and children are expected to attend the event. Mark Lippard will provide the entertainment and guest speaker will be Dr. Bob Laurent, Bethel College. The program will last approximately two hours.
This year's Upward Basketball program had more than 534 children enrolled.
"We count the year as a tremendous success," said Len Morris Thursday. "Many kids were participating in basketball that wouldn't be a part any other way."
He said the program helped kids see they are all winners.
"We hope, if God blesses us, the program will continue next year," he said. If the growth of the program continues as it has, more than 1,000 children could be involved in the program.
With a growing number of children participating, a growing number of volunteers also is needed to run the program. There were more than 200 volunteers this year.
Morris said, "Volunteers have been tremendous," and filled the roles of officials, coaches and testimonial speakers.
Lakeland Christian Academy and Baker Youth Club also were "tremendous" supporters of the event, he said.
At the awards program, each child will receive participation awards. Sponsors of the program will be thanked and a "Heart of the Servant" award will be given to the volunteer who most exemplified the meaning of "Heart of the Servant."
The public is invited to attend the program to see the children receive their awards, Morris said.
For next year's program, sign-ups will be in October with the season being held in February and March.
Upward Basketball is a national nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 children participating nationwide. A basketball league designed to instruct elementary children in the skills of basketball while emphasizing Christian values, the program began in South Carolina several years ago by a youth minister.
Children in grades one through six participate. Upward Basketball of Warsaw is a nonprofit charitable organization, locally organized and operated.
In each game, every child receives the same amount of playing time. Player rotation is different each game so everyone has a chance to start. The program was opened to every elementary child in the Warsaw, Triton, Wawasee, Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko school systems, as well as students in local Christian schools.
Scores are not kept for the games for the younger groups. The emphasis is on learning skills, rules and Christianity.
Coaches and referees are trained to be supporters and encouragers of children at all skill levels. Basketball excellence is stressed but the child is more important than the game. No child was cut regardless of skill level.
