Lt. Governor Carney, Wilmington Parks & Rec. host Wilmington Hope League All-Star Games

Wilmington - Lt. Governor John Carney and Shawn Baker, Program Coordinator for the Wilmington Department of Parks & Recreation, today hosted all-star games for players and coaches in their Wilmington Hope Youth Basketball League.  The games were part of a series of activities, including a skills competition and a speaker series, which helped the players develop their athletic abilities and learn valuable life lessons.

"Today was a great day for the kids and families that participated in the all-star festivities," said Lt. Governor Carney.  "My main goal in starting this league was to provide safe and fun summer activities for children in the city, and to help them learn about teamwork and responsibility.  I think we did both today and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

Held at William Hicks Anderson Community Center, today's games featured top players from each team in the league's 9-11 and 12-14 Divisions.  The Wilmington Hope league also has a 15-17 Division for high school players, which is operated in conjunction with the local non-profit Duffy's Hope, Inc. 

Shawn Baker, Program Coordinator for the City of Wilmington's Department of Parks & Recreation, said, "It's great to be involved with leagues that bring so much fun and entertainment to young people in the city.  The Hope League is just one example of some of the great activities Wilmington has for people of all ages throughout the summer."

Now in its third season, the Wilmington Hope Youth Basketball League includes over 300 players ages 9-17 from the city and its surrounding areas.  Teams play a 12-week schedule, including playoffs, which runs from June to mid-August. 

For more information on the Wilmington Hope League or the All-Star games, please call Albert Shields at (302) 577-8787 or (302) 668-6471.