Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille invites Richmond families to register kids NOW for FREE Champions Youth Developmental Basketball Camp: For boys and girls, ages 9-13

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Monday, 22, July 2013 Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille invites Richmond families to register kids NOW for FREE Champions Youth Developmental Basketball Camp: For boys and girls, ages 9-13 Limited Richmond slots open on first-come/first served-basis: Free camp for boys and girls, ages 9-13; Celebrating 7th-year in Richmond - 9th-year in Petersburg WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District, invites Richmond families to register boys and girls, ages 9-13, now for the Champions Youth Developmental Basketball Camp being held Monday, July 29 to Friday August 2, 2012 in Richmond. This year marks the 7th successful year in Richmond (9th-year in Petersburg). This week-long camp is free for youth (boys and girls) ages 9-13, and limited openings are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Participants receive free breakfast and lunch, basketballs, expert instruction, t-shirts, school supplies and awards. Each camp will include up to 100 students. The Champions Youth Developmental Basketball Camp is being held in both Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia locations. Registration for the Petersburg camp has ended. TO REGISTER Limited openings for Richmond camp are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Families interested in registering should contact: Mr. Mike Pearson, President/ Founder, Friends Helping Friends, at 804.405.4472 (tel), or mikesbailbonding@yahoo.com (email) Ms. Bridgett Thompson, 804.366.6373 (tel) (Note: Pre-registration is required. Registration is for Richmond camp, the Petersburg camp is full.) WHEN/ Richmond Camp to be held: Monday, July 29-Friday, August 2, 2013 WHERE 8:00 A.M. – NOON – Richmond Public Schools - Armstrong High School; 2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 Petersburg Camp full Petersburg Camp to be held: Monday, July 29-Thursday, August 1, 2013 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. - Petersburg High School; 3101 Johnson Road; Petersburg, Virginia 23805 CONTACT For more information, please contact Mr. Mike Pearson, President/ Founder, Friends Helping Friends, at 804. 405.4472 (tel) or mikesbailbonding@yahoo.com (email); or, Dr. Leon Wright Bey, Camp Director, at 804.536.6394, lwbey@msn.com (email). BACKGROUND Established by the nonprofit organization Friends Helping Friends, which is led by Founder/President, Mike Pearson, Champions Youth Developmental Basketball Camp (CDBC) began in Petersburg, Virginia in 2005 and focuses on holistic youth skills development and includes: Basketball, Academic, Life and Leadership (BALL) education. CDBC is produced by the nonprofit organization, Friends Helping Friends, Petersburg Department of Parks and Leisure Services, and through the leadership of Director Tami Yerby, and Camp Director Dr. Leon Wright Bey of Virginia State University, who previously served as Virginia State University's (VSU) Women’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. In addition to the support provided by a variety of sponsors, key to the success of these camps is the help of numerous high school and collegiate basketball coaches; current/former athletes, educators, administrators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, who serve as clinicians, motivational speakers, and support staff. Assistance in bringing this camp to Richmond included, but was not limited to, support by The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District and her Liaison, Mr. Sam Patterson; the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities; Ms. April Hawkins, Principal, Richmond City Public Schools Armstrong High School; Mr. Ksaan Brown, Athletic Director, Armstrong High School; Darryl Watts, Head Coach for Boys Basketball for Armstrong High School; former local high school and Virginia State University Head Football Coach, Mr. Lou Anderson; and, Ms. Joyce Patterson, Owner, Richmond Elite Professional Basketball Team (ABA). Important assistance was provided over the years by retired Athletic Director of Richmond City Public Schools Armstrong High School, Mr. Randy Ash; Dr. Howard Hopkins, also retired Athletic Director, Richmond City Public Schools Armstrong High School; and, The Honorable Marty Jewell, former Councilman, Richmond City Council Richmond City Council Central 5th Voter District. ### ______________________________________ Steven R. Skinner, APR Council Public Information Manager RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) ____________________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.