Cedars Network members ran a basketball holistic development training program for 50 boys and girls in partnership with a local organization. Their aim was more than just learning to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend- it was to learn how to develop a higher level of self-dignity and to see this goodness spread from the boys and girls to their communities.
Each training included warm-ups and skills drills but also reflective questions such as, ‘what are you thankful for this week?’ and ‘what has been hard for you this week?’ This helped them grow in perspective. Each training also included a short story to help the students grow as people both in and outside of sports. The themes of these stories included the power of encouragement, teamwork, and gratitude.
Although these boys and girls face challenging environments, the skills they are gaining through the local organization and the basketball training are better preparing them to face these hardships with hope, joy, and belief.
