CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- Julia Daniely, President of Carey Gardens Residential Buildings, is a passionate advocate for a free basketball clinic starting this Saturday in Coney Island's Kaiser Park.
As a long-time resident and community leader, Daniely has been instrumental in promoting the program run by Brooklyn USA Sports to local families.
"I've been a resident of this community for 62 years," Daniely shares. "I became drawn to this program because it became free."
Daniely emphasizes the program's comprehensive approach, which goes beyond just playing basketball. "They're taught sportsmanship, they're taught discipline," she explains. As a grandmother, she appreciates the program's inclusivity. "It's open for girls. It's open for boys, you know, so everybody can play," she adds.
The program offers activities for all age groups as well as a division for children with special needs. Last year’s clinic saw an impressive turnout with more than 500 young athletes who took part. "This is where you save children, this is where you change lives," says Thomas Sicignano, the Sports Director for Brooklyn USA Sports.
Despite the program's success, Sicignano emphasizes the ongoing need for donations to sustain and expand the initiative. "We did a pre-registration and we capped it off at 250. We're beyond 250 now. With this type of publicity, more and more kids are coming, and the word is going to spread as it did last year. So yes, we do need more help and we do need other people to step up to the plate."
Brooklyn USA Sports relies heavily on community and corporate support to keep the program free for all participants. Kids from pre-K to 12th grade can participate in the free five-week basketball clinic.
Meanwhile, Daniely sees the program as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Coney Island's youth. "That's what keeps me going because there's a lot of potential in Coney Island and we're always forgotten," she concludes.
The Coney Basketball Clinic and Tournament will take place every Saturday at 10 a.m. from July 27 to August 24 at Kaiser Park. More information on how to participate is available online.
