Upward Basketball combines fair play with faith lessons
By TINA BROWNING Staff Writer

Courtesy photos

Upward Basketball, a nation-wide program sponsored by First Baptist Church in Jasper, just finished its first local season in the newlybuilt gym.

"We expect the number of participants to double next year," stated director David Bryant.

Upward Basketball promotes character and self esteem in every child by guaranteeing equal playing time.

"The program was a great opportunity for the children to come together and play in a safe atmosphere, learn about the love of God and make new friends," according to Bryan South.

Each child also received an award after each game recognizing their sportsmanship and effort. During halftime, volunteers taught devotional messages.

Church volunteer referees took the time to explain to children, all first through sixth grade students, the rule violations and why fouls were called.

At the final awards ceremony, guest Speaker Eddie Sunday, pastor of Burkeville Baptist Church, brought his dummy Clifford, who entertained the audience with stories and songs.

Video clips and pictures showed each player in action, and each child received an Upward Basketball duffel bag.

In an effort to involve more children and parents next year, the program will add an Upward Cheerleading program with registration starting in September 2007.

UPWARD BASKETBALL volunteers like Brenda Job spent a lot of time explaining the game to small players and emphasizing values like sportsmanship and friendship.