HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2007 Weed & Seed Alliance Scores a 3-Pointer! o45pUTH8.,
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Office of the Mavor
News Release
Monday, February 12, 2007
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications& Special Projects, 235-5855, or
876-1564
Mark Dollinger, Weed& Seed Coordinator, 235-7619 or 876-5699
Weed & Seed Alliance Scores a 3-Pointer!
The South Bend Weed and Seed Alliance, Inc. (SBWSA) is sponsoring a
basketball league for boys and girls in grades five through eight who live within the
Weed & Seed boundaries, (Arnold St. on the east, Sheridan St. on the west, Sample St. on
the south and the railroad tracks to the north. League teams will consist of 3 on 3 or 5 on
5 players.
Registration is currently taking place at the Charles Black Recreation Center,
3419 W. Washington Street. Games will be played at the Center during spring break,
April 2-5, 2007. In addition to learning sportsmanship and fundamentals of basketball,
the youth will learn some lessons on the adverse affects of becoming involved in criminal
activities.
Partial funding for this project is being provided by a Department of Justice grant
that Weed & Seed previously received. However, to help offset the cost of uniforms for
the players, the Weed& Seed Alliance is seeking sponsorship from businesses and
individuals willing to help promote positive activities in the community. Some sponsors
have been found, but more are needed. Sponsorship of a team is $125. Benefits to
sponsors include company name and logo on the team shirts and trophies,recognition at
awards ceremony, and a certificate of appreciation. The deadline for sponsorship is
March 9, 2007. Coaches are also needed for the teams.
Weed& Seed grant funds continue to be directed towards law enforcement and
community policing efforts and the After School programs. Within the past four years,
the Weed& Seed Alliance has been involved in projects such as Safe Neighborhoods,
Anti-Gang Task Force, Community Policing, Senior Citizens Security, VIP Patrols,
Graffiti Removal and Neighborhood Restoration.
Weed& Seed is a federally sponsored community-based strategy whose purpose
is to "weed out"negative and "seed in"positive influences in our neighborhoods. The
South Bend strategy is a collaboration of the City,the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's
Office, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Weed& Seed Alliance, and the South Bend
Police Department.
For more information and to participate as a sponsor or volunteer as a coach, contact
Mark Dollinger,Weed & Seed Coordinator at 235-7619.
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