Aug. 11, 2009

San Diego - Individuals from the Torero men's and women's basketball teams hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County this past Saturday for a basketball clinic that emphasized basketball fundamentals and encouraged team participation while building character and self esteem. Booker T. Harris, USD men's basketball director of operations, helped organize the event which was held in the USD Sports Center Gymnasium.

"The USD men's & women's basketball programs were excited to be involved with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of San Diego," said Booker T. Harris. "It was a day of learning basketball and playing games with great people from BBBS. Fun was had by all!"

By partnering with a youth mentoring program and participating in the clinic, student-athletes were able to reach local children and develop positive relationships that have a direct and potential lasting impact on the lives of young people. It was an opportunity to be a mentor and a friend -- someone they can talk to, have fun with, and learn from.

There were a total of 34 participants that included pairs of Big/Little Brothers and Sisters. "The time that was spent by the USD basketball team on Saturday had a tremendous impact on both me and my "Little", said big brother participant Joey Banet. "After the clinic, while we were eating lunch, my "Little" (who does not say a whole bunch) told me what a really good time he had and basically talked for about 20 minutes about the whole event. When I took him home he was beaming and smiling from ear to ear, telling his Mother what a "good shooter" he was."

For over a century, Big Brothers and Big Sisters have helped children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships that have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. It is recognized as the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States.

Jannette Kutchins, a Match Support Specialist from Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County stated, "This has been the most popular clinics we've had! The number of participants has grown to 17 matches. This activity encouraged interaction between the Bigs and Littles; socialization among the youth and the adults; increased the youth's self-confidence; motivated the not so fit to add sports in their lives".