GREENSBORO, NC – Studies have shown that teens and children often become involved in illegal activities when they have a shortage of positive role models and too much idle time. Greensboro Police Officer Alex Ricketts is hoping to steer Greensboro teens away from problem behaviors by encouraging them to participate in a midnight basketball program, beginning Friday, February 29.

“This program is designed to provide our youth with a safe place to have fun and interact with positive role models,” Ricketts said. “This is a positive step our community can take to keep our young people active and safe and away from negative influences that can be so enticing to a bored teen.”

As part of the program, Ricketts will invite community leaders, business leaders, pastors and others to speak to the youth who participate. “This will be a mentoring program as well as a youth sports program,” he said.

The midnight basketball program will take place on Fridays from 9 pm to 12 midnight at the Simkins Center at Barber Park. The program will continue through August 15.

Volunteers are needed to help make the program a success. For more information, call Officer Ricketts at 574-4035.


Youth Speak Out 2007