November 29, 2017
Page 9
Mississippi
Alberta
North Portland
Vancouver
East County
Beaverton
Portland Parks and Recreation is a proud partner in a new youth basketball league assisting Somali youth and other immigrant teens embrace the popular game while
helping them meet the challenges of life and achieving their dreams.
Thriving on the Court
Immigrant youth start
new basketball league
A new basketball league is geared toward Port-
land’s immigrant population and focused especially
on helping youth of Somali and east African descent
meet the challenges of life in a new country and
achieving their dreams.
“We are so excited to have the support of Portland
Parks and Recreation, which is providing both the
space and enthusiastic support for our youth basket-
ball league,” says Jamal Dar, executive director of
the African Youth Community Organization.
The league, which is also supported by Nike and
other partners, provides structure for the teen players
and a safe, supportive environment where staff and
volunteers reflect the cultural communities of immi-
grant and refugee youth.
Currently the league has 40 teens playing and
60 on the waiting list in the inaugural year of the
program. The players are originally from Somalia
or neighboring parts of east Africa. Games played
each Friday at the Montavilla Community Center in
southeast Portland started earlier this month and end
in early February.
Dar hopes to grow the program by adding more
sponsors, companies, foundations and volunteers.
“It is both gratifying and frustrating to have 60
teens on the wait list,” he said. “Were delighted at
the enthusiasm, but dismayed we can’t get them all a
spot right now.”
For more information or to offer financial or volun-
teer support, contact AYCO youth coordinator Omar
Mohamed at Omar@aycoworld.org or AYCO Execu-
tive Director Jamal Dar at Jamal@aycoworld.org.