Queens legislators helped tip off the 2009 Long Island City YMCA’s girls basketball league, and they came prepared with a special gift – $47,000 in funding for the organization.
Congressmember Carolyn Maloney and City Councilmember Eric Gioia, who both represent the area, joined YMCA officials, players and supporters on a recent Saturday to start the season and present the $47,000 in funding secured for the league.
“It’s wonderful that girls here in western Queens have a basketball ‘league of their own’ that’s growing by leaps and bounds each year,” said Maloney. “I was proud to work with Senator Charles [Chuck] Schumer to deliver funding not only to run the league this year, but to double the number of players over last season.”
The $47,000 in federal funding will allow the Long Island City YMCA league to increase in size from 40 to 80 players.
“I would like to thank Senator Schumer and Representative Maloney for their hard work in bringing back federal funding for this wonderful league,” Gioia said. “Sports taught me many important lessons growing up that went far beyond the basketball court – like how to play together, how to set goals and how to work hard to achieve them.”
The YMCA of Greater New York gives young people a place to come after school for safe, productive activities that encourage and support academic performance, help to build their self-esteem and develop healthy lifestyles.
“YMCA youth sports programs are designed to develop the individual’s self-confidence and spirit of teamwork, while playing – and living – according to our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility,” said Jay Cruz, executive director of the Long Island City YMCA.
