basketball tournament players. Photo by Meagan Dwyer Photography.
More than 150 basketball aficionados, monster-jammers and amateur buzz-beaters teamed up Oct. 14 at the Westchester County Center for Backyard Sports Cares’ fifth annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament and fundraiser.
This year’s event was highlighted by legendary New York Mets pitcher Dwight (Doc) Gooden,
who cheered on the players, signed autographs, interacted with special needs athletes, and communicated a strong message to at-risk teens about the importance of valuing second chances. “I had the pleasure of speaking with teenagers from the Youth Shelter of Westchester about changing one’s life around,” said Gooden.
“Getting a second chance and taking advantage of it – I’ve been there. I was a World Serie champ and I’ve also been to prison. Things happen so quickly in life. Young people make mistakes, but once you’re given a second chance, it’s what you do with it to move forward that matters. There’s no such thing as a bad kid. There are bad decisions. The important thing is to be accountable for your mistakes and learn, so you turn a mess into a message.”
“I am deeply grateful and moved by the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and
families who have committed financially and of their time to be part of this important event,”
added Danny Bernstein, executive director of Backyard Sports Cares.
“The $80,000 raised at this event will help us to keep vital community sports programs
in place that we run through dozens of Westchester schools and community organizations,
such as the Youth Shelter of Westchester, White Plains Youth Bureau, Mount Vernon Boys &
Girls Club, and Special Needs Young Athletes of Westchester.”
Backyard Sports Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and the leading provider
of community team sports programs for more than 3,000 at-risk and special needs youth in
Westchester County. For more information, visit byardsportscares.org
