Recreation Division

Columbus, Georgia

For Rain Out Information
Call (706) 653-4498 After 4:00pm

Midnight National History
The National Midnight Basketball League was founded in 1986 by the late G. Van Standifier in Glenarden, Md. The late G. Van Standifier initiated the program, a late night summer basketball league for older teens, in response to escalating crime reates and evidence of drug related activities in the Glenarden Township. The program operated between 10pm and 2am three nights weekly during the summer months. The season was divided into regular and championship tournament sessions. Young men between the ages of 17 and 25 are eligible, with proof of county residence, on a first come reserved basis.

This program was started as an alternative for young adults to drugs, crime and other problem activities. Midnight League gets kids off the streets by offering late night basketball and mandatory education, counseling, mentoring and personal development workshops in a safe environment. Midnight Basketball helps develop discipline and direction plus provides participants a source of pride and accomplishment.

The Midnight Basketball League was funded entirely by the local business community and staffed by volunteers. During the initial summer, the program operated without incidents and with increasing public Support. In fact, it proved to be a great source of pride, even for those who opposed it at the begining.

On April 12, 1991, President Bush visited Glenarden, Md. to celebrate National Community Point of Light Week. the President named the Midnight Basketball League, Inc. the 124th Daily Point of Light.

History of the Columbus Chapter
After researching cities in October 1993 who operated Midnight Basketball Leagues, we recognized that the Chicago Housing Authority ran the best program of the 40 or more cities who had a league. The Chicago Housing Authority main concern was the education of the participants in life management workshops whose topics include: employment training, drug intervention and education opportunities. Participants had to attend the workshops in order to play in the games, in which the entire community was involved; local business, law enforcement and other government agencies as well as the citizens of Chicago.

Tony Adams visited Chicago and met with Gil Walker, the commissioner of the Chicago Midnight League program and received an enormous amount of information on the logistics of the program as well as the requirements for implementing this program. After Mr. Adams had witnessed this program first hand, he was convinced this would be a great program in which our community would embrace. In July 1994 the first games of Midnight Basketball was played.

Each week players are required to attend a mandatory educational workshop. These workshops foucs on employment fairs, health topics, drug intervention, educational opportunities and voter registration. Males age range is from 17 - 25 and women 15 and older.

Midnight Basketball is Held at the Shirley Winston Super Center

Flag Football
Girls & Boys ages 13 - 16
Registration is August 29th - September 8th
Girls Age Control Date: Jan. 1
Boys Age Control Date: Sep. 1

Innovative Sports Coordinator: Herman Porter (706)653-4500

Volleyball
The Innovative Volleyball program began in October of 2002. This is a coed sport for youth 13 - 16 years old.

Program teaches rules, drills and skills necessary for the progression into playing this non-traditional sport.

Boxing
- All matches are held at Haywood Gym, 1100 Cusseta Road, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
- Girls and Boys 8 years old and up
- If you are over 34 years old, you MUST have a physical
- Competition Training and Weight Training Available
- For more information, contact Rick Carrillo (706)322-7051

Track History
- Shot put, long jump, 100 meters are some of the track and field events in which boys and girls ages 8-12 years old can participate during the summer months. Participants are taught proper technique and training methods involved in each event. This program mixes individual accomplishment with the pursuit of team goals.The track and field participants will compete around the country at AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) meets.

In order to participate on the traveling track team, students must possess a 2.0 Grade Point Average as well as demonstrate a good attitude and have adequate skill level to compete.

Form information on Track, contact Herman Porter (706)653-4500.

dLink Basketball
The Development League program is a transition from Columbus Youth Basketball. Its focus is on a more competitive environment with skills, drills and scrimmages. Participants are taught the habits they need to develop in order to reach their desired level of play. All ability levels are welcomed. This program is for male and females from ages 8-16. Over 350 youth registered for the program in 2003.

Development league games are played weekly, with coaches focusing not only on teaching the fundamentals of basketball but also stressing the importance of an education.

From this league students are selected to participate on traveling teams based on grades (must have a 2.0 to travel), attitude and skill level. The teams travel all over the south east participating in tournaments sanctioned by the Athletic Amateur Union (AAU) or Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) associations.

Tournaments

March 21-23, 2007, 10th Annual Riverfest Basketball Tournament
Girls 4th Annual Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Tournament
April 25-27, 2007, Boys Youth Basketball of America
May 16-18, 2007, Girls AAU State Basketball Tournament
June 6-8, 2007, 7th Annual Summner Classic Basketball Tournament
Youth Basketball of America National Tournament
4th Annual Columbus Fall Shoot-Out


	Mission Statement: Recreation Services mission is to enhance the quality of life by promoting life skills by providing diverse recreational programs and leisure activities to persons of all ages. History: The Innovative Sports Program was implemented in September of 2002. This program is designed for boys and girls ages 13 - 16 years old. The program is targeted for those students not playing school sports, providing them with a structured, yet fun activity which emphasizes team work and the importance of physical fitness as well as academics.

	Parks & Recreation Department 107 41st Street Columbus, Georgia 31904 (706)653-4504 - fax(706)653-4182
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