Atlantic Yards Amateur Athletics

Reuben “Shu” Niles Summer Basketball Classic Finals, Bedford-Stuyvesant, August 8, 2008 FCRC sponsored gold and silver medals at the final game of the Reuben “Shu” Niles basketball tournament at Raymond Bush Playground in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Brooklyn’s George Westinghouse Information Technology High School defeated the Bronx’s John F. Kennedy High School in the final, 74-68. Both teams had already won four games in the tournament in order to battle for the championship.		Brooklyn reigns supreme at the Reuben "Shu" Niles Summer Basketball Classic Final, August 2008
Utopia Classic, July 7, 2008 On July 7^th, 2008, the Utopia Classic basketball tournament kicked-off another night of basketball at the School of Construction in Queens. Six teams played their hearts out in three high tempo games. The participants of the tournament wore shirts donated by FCRC/Nets for the tournament that began in the spring. The Utopia Classic is winding down the season as the competition is picking up with teams competing for the few playoff spots.		Taking it to the hole at the Utopia Classic, July 2008
Reuben “Shu” Niles Summer Basketball Classic, Bedford-Stuyvesant, July 7, 2008 On Monday, July 7, the first games of the Reuben “Shu” Niles Summer Basketball Classic were played at Raymond Bush Playground in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. FCRC and the Nets sponsored an indoor/outdoor tabletop scoreboard, which will remain at the playground for future games, as well as the basketballs. Four high school basketball teams from Brooklyn, ranging from freshmen to juniors, participated in the tournament. Two close games were played between the teams. The tournament served as a kickoff to playoffs, which will begin in late August and end in early September.		Competition was fierce at the Reuben "Shu" Niles Summer Basketball Classic, July 2008
Nets/FCRC Clinic at the Shorefront Y in Brighton Beach, June 22, 2008 About 55 kids between ages 7-14 are ready to show off their baskeball skills on the courts this summer, courtesy of the Nets and FCRC. The Brooklyn B-ballers learned various basketball techniques and participated in drills designed to help improve their overall skills. There was a special guest appearance by former Nets legend Albert King, who signed autographs and spoke to the kids about the importance of education, life, and basketball. All participants received sandwiches and cookies and dribbled away with “Bring it to Brooklyn ” pinky balls.		Albert picks a volunteer, June 2008
High School for Sports Management Celebrity Charity Softball Game, Coney Island, June 7, 2008 Former Nets star Darryl Dawkins showed up Saturday morning, June 7, to support the High School for Sports Management’s charity event at Key Span Park in Coney Island. After a VIP reception and news interviews, Darryl made his way up to the galleria level of Key Span Park, where he entertained with jokes, laughter and basketball war stories that delighted old and young fans alike. The community softball and baseball leagues played five innings, with performances and activities in between each inning. Darryl consoled one of the teams’ losing pitchers with a promise that he will see “better days ahead.” Lisa Battaglia, our good friend and contact at the school, was overwhelmed at the crowd’s warm response to Darryl and expressed thanks to Forest City Ratner for its participation. All proceeds from the event went to the High School of Sports Management Scholarship Fund.		Darryl joins a new team... and makes a new friend, June 2008
Nets/FCRC Clinic at P.S. 222 in Marine Park, May 13, 2008 On Tuesday, May 13^th, Forest City Ratner Companies sponsored a basketball clinic at P.S. 222 in Marine Park, Brooklyn. Basketball City ran the event and provided instruction on the basic fundamentals of the game of basketball. Over 60 children came out to have some fun and unwind after a long day of classes. The after school event is one of a series of clinics FCRC is putting on throughout the borough of Brooklyn. T-shirts and prizes were given away to all who attended.		P.S. 222 kids learn basketball techniques, May 2008
Basketball Clinic for PSCH, April 26-27, 2008 East Rutherford, New Jersey, the host city for the Nets and the location of their training facility, was the place for two great days of basketball basics. Former NBA great Darryl Dawkins gave lessons in confidence and hope to a group of developmentally disabled clients from PSCH, which provides group homes as well as various social services and health care. Basketball City, led by Coach Craig Alfano, directed the group in hours of basketball drills and exercises that utilized the full capabilities of the training facility. FCRC supplied lunch and cool giveaways that put a smile on everyone’s face. Special thanks to Willie Scott, public relations coordinator for PSCH.		The "Money Shot" - literally! Former Nets star Darryl Dawkins lost a $50 bet that this participant couldn't shoot over him. PSCH clients were given basketball instruction on the same court The Nets practice on! April 2008
Annual Double Dutch Tournament, Clinton Hill, Saturday, March 29, 2008 FCRC teamed up with Ruth Payne, head coach of Brooklyn’s own Jammin’ Jumpers Double Dutch team and Families United representative, and the American Double Dutch League to bring the action-packed Families United’s Annual Double Dutch Tournament to the kids of New York. Over 175 children from Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Long Island—and even a team from Albany —met at St. Peter Claver Church, in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood, in an attempt to win bragging rights. The free tournament was the latest in a series of initiatives by FCRC to promote important athletic values like leadership, teamwork and dedication to hard work among school-age children in New York City. New York leaders including Assemblyman Karim Camara and PSAL Sports Coordinator Tyrone Brown joined the event to lend some positive encouragement to the kids as well as to learn some new Double Dutch tricks!		Assemblyman Karim Camara shows off his moves Putting the "double" in Double Dutch! Don't try this at home!
Nets/FCRC Clinic at P.S. 56 in Fort Green, March 15, 2008 FCRC hosted a Nets Mini Basketball Clinic at P.S. 56 in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn. About 45 6-12 year-olds from the Claver Youth Program were taught various basketball skills such as: proper way to shoot and dribble the ball, playing defense, and warm-up drills. Former NBA Nets Legend Albert King, returned to his old stomping grounds to speak to the kids about the importance of obtaining an education and how it relates to basketball. He also signed autographs, took photos and participated in various basketball drills. All participants received FCRC/Nets Clinic t-shirts, “Bring it to Brooklyn ” key chains and Frisbees as giveaways for the event.		Brooklyn native and Nets great Albert King at the P.S. 56 Basketball Clinic, March 2008
Queens South Police Athletic League All-Star Game, March 8, 2008 FCRC and the Nets teamed up with various police precincts from Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan to help them stage their All-Star game at John Bowne High School in Flushing, Queens. The event—designed to strengthen the relationship between the officers and kids of those precincts—drew about 100 attendees, who were provided T-shirts courtesy of FCRC. Each kid who participated was also presented with a trophy.		The Queens Team (in blue) and the Manhattan Team (in white) split the series with a game a piece... ...at the Queens South Police Athetic League All-Star Game, March 2008
Nets/FCRC Clinic at the Long Island City YMCA, February 21, 2008 On February 21, the Nets and FCRC teamed up with Basketball City to put on their first clinic in Queens. The 80 attendees, ages 8 to 14, were treated to a special appearance by former Nets star Albert King, who spoke of the merits of staying in school and playing basketball. Albert challenged a few children to quick one-on-one games, and showed that he’s still got it! Participants were also treated to lunch, clinic T-shirts, frisbees, and other prizes and giveaways courtesy of FCRC.		Going for two! Long Island City, February 2008
"Think Pink" Saint Francis College, February 16, 2008 On Saturday, February 16, FCRC partnered with St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights to promote its men’s and women’s televised basketball games. The Nets Drumline entertained the crowd during the women’s game, and the marching band from I.S. 318 entertained spectators at the men’s game. As part of the sponsorship, FCRC distributed 1,000 "Think Pink" shirts to promote breast cancer awareness. Lunch and Nets giveaways were also provided to the crowd. Breast Cancer Awareness Week in the NCAA (February 8-17) was sponsored by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and “Think Pink.”		The Saint Francis terrier mascot and friends at the "Think Pink" event for Breast Cancer Awareness Week, February 2008
Double Dutch Coaches' Clinic at St. Peter Claver Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, January 26, 2008 Teachers, parents and community leaders joined together to participate in a Double Dutch Coaches’ Clinic hosted by Families United and the American Double Dutch League on Saturday, January 26. Ruth Payne, a Families United representative and head coach of the nationally recognized Jammin’ Jumpers Double Dutch jump-roping team, was there to help the community jump into action as she welcomed existing coaches as well as some newcomers to the Double Dutch world. The clinic taught basic coaching techniques for the popular jump-rope sport and featured demonstrations from Stan’s Pepper Steppers from Queens. FCRC was proud to sponsor this latest collaboration between the Jammin’ Jumpers and the American Double Dutch League designed to promote athletic opportunities that can instill the values of physical fitness, teamwork and dedication in local youths.		Jammin Jumpers coach Ruth Payne shows the skills that brought her team to the Double Dutch World Championships last summer The clinic taught both how to be a jumper and a rope turner - can't have one without the other!
Nets/FCRC Clinic at Boys and Girls High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, January 26, 2008 FCRC teamed up with Boys and Girls High School to put on a half-day basketball clinic for local youths in Bedford-Stuyvesant, which was followed by Family Appreciation Day basketball games on Saturday, January 26th. In addition to winning prizes and receiving various giveaways, the kids were treated to a special visit from Nets legend Darryl Dawkins. Darryl spoke to the children about staying in school and being a positive influence on others. After a few basketball pointers, Dawkins also signed autographs for all in attendance, including parents. We look forward to returning to Boys and Girls High School in the future!		Nets great Darryl Dawkins spoke to Brooklyn youth about life on and off the court Bedford-Stuyvesant, January 2008
Nets/FCRC Clinic in East New York, December 9, 2007 Boys and girls from around East New York were treated to some professional basketball tips from former NBA Nets star Albert King at a free basketball clinic in Brooklyn yesterday sponsored by Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) and the Nets. Approximately 100 young budding basketball stars between the ages of 8 and 14 attended the clinic held at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn.		Double Trouble at the East New York Clinic! December 2007
IAABO Junior Varsity Basketball Classic, December 1- 2, 2007 The Brooklyn Board IAABO (International Association Approved Basketball Officials) League, which provides approved basketball referees in Brooklyn, held a JV Basketball Classic tournament in Bishop Ford High School. Eight schools competed in the two-day event, and each game had different referees from the IAABO League. Every player received a shirt, compliments of Forest City Ratner Companies.		The victorious Thomas Jefferson team, December 2007
Nets/FCRC First Wheelchair Basketball Clinic, October 20, 2007 FCRC and the Nets hosted their first Wheelchair Basketball Clinic outdoors at the Brooklyn Sports Club in Starrett City on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The United Spinal Nets, the official New Jersey Nets Wheelchair team, ran the clinic and then played an exhibition game. More than 35 people participated in the clinic, one of them even traveling all the way from Connecticut for the event. Nets great Albert King also joined in to encourage players and sign autographs. It was a beautiful day, and inspirational for all who attended.		Jump ball! Competition was fierce at FCRC's first Wheelchair Basketball Clinic, October 2007
Josh Boone Basketball Clinic, August 27-31, 2007 What do power forwards/centers do in the off-season? Host free basketball clinics for 600 boys and girls, of course! The first Josh Boone Basketball Clinic was held the last week of August at St. Francis College. With the help of Basketball City–and obviously, of Josh himself–the clinic provided children ages 7 to 14 with valuable lessons about basketball and life. Every child walked away with Josh’s autograph as well as giveaways ranging from jerseys to keychains. The clinic was sponsored by FCRC, KeySpan and the Nets.		Nets player Josh Boone hosted a weeklong clinic for Brooklyn kids, August 2007
Dean Street Park Foundation Since 1983 hoopsters from all over the tri-state area have flocked to Dean Street Park in Park Slope for Sunday games. Teens, college stars and former pros play in games that start at 8 in the morning and last until late afternoon. During the summer of 1999, park regulars Brien Mingo, Samuel Wallace, Duane Martin and Richard Ramos decided to hold an annual summer showcase to highlight all the local talent. From this conversation, the Dean Street Park Foundation was born, and the first showcase was held in 1999. FCRC is proud to support the foundation and the great tradition of Brookyn basketball!		Dean Street Park Sunday B-ball-a Brooklyn tradition!
Hoops and Leaders Basketball Camp, July 30-August 11, 2007 From July 30 through August 11, FCRC sponsored the Hoops and Leaders Basketball Camp in its first appearance in Brooklyn. Hoops and Leaders is a male-mentoring and basketball camp that pairs youths with professionals to discuss themes such as leadership in the context of basketball and the professional world. During the two-week basketball camp, the youths and mentors were also visited by special guest speakers, such as Darryl Dawkins and Stephen A. Smith, who talked to the boys about opportunities and goals. The camp wrapped up with a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a community service project to fix up a basketball court in Red Hook, Brooklyn.		Tearing up the court... ...and painting the court, Hoops and Leaders, July and August 2007
“Old Timers Week,” Brownsville Recreation Center, July 28, 2007 On a hot Saturday in July, FCRC teamed up with Brownsville Rec Coach Greg Jackson to participate in the center’s Old Timers Week. FCRC and the Nets ran a basketball clinic for boys and girls with special guest Nets great Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins. Old Timers Week is an annual eight-day reunion of past and present community members and leaders from the recreational center. The weeklong celebration included a parade, fish fry, gospel show, jazz night, R&B concert, body building show and youth talent show.		Brooklyn kids practice their foul shots at the Brownsville Rec Center's Old Timers Week, July 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic in Sunset Park, June 30, 2007 Just because school is out for summer doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop! Over 70 kids ages 9 to 13 participated in the Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic in Sunset Park, learning various basketball drills and competing for prizes. Former Nets legend Albert King joined in the drills, stressed the importance of a good education on and off the court, and signed autographs for the kids. All participants received lunch and walked (dribbled?) away with medals, T-shirts, Frisbees and a few life lessons.		Sunset Park hoopster gets shooting tips, June 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at the Academy for Business and Community Development, June 21, 2007 Former Nets great Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins showed the 11- to 14-year-olds at the ABCD School in Bedford-Stuyvesant the moves that helped him get to the next level. He held shooting, dribbling and defensive contests at the basketball clinic, and even challenged some of the kids to try to shoot over him. He spoke to them about making good decisions and the importance of staying in school and listening. He also talked to them about not doing drugs and how they should eat right and stay in shape. Participants received autographs from Darryl and great Nets souvenirs.		Nets legend Darryl Dawkins meets some new friends at the Academy for Business and Community Development in Bedford-Stuyvesant, June 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic in Starrett City, June 16, 2007 FCRC joined the local Police Athletic League in hosting over 150 kids at a basketball clinic held at the Brooklyn Sports Club. Kids of all ages were excited by the participation of local b-ball legend Albert King, who helped run drills and stressed the importance of a good education. All participants were winners–taking away valuable lessons as well as medals, autographed Albert King photos and Frisbees.		Former Nets great Albert King runs drills and offers good advice to kids at the Starrett City Basketball Clinic, June 2007
Double Dutch World Championships Sumter, South Carolina, June 15-16, 2007 Three New York City teams–the Jammin Jumpers, Stan’s Pepper Steppers and the Jazzy Jumpers–jumped their way to the American Double Dutch League World Championships in Sumter, South Carolina. Competing against teams from all over the United States, Japan and France, the Big Apple teams placed well in the “singles” and “doubles” categories, with the Pepper Steppers claiming this year’s overall title. Look for the fancy footwork of Brooklyn’s Jammin Jumpers at block parties and street festivals across the borough this summer.		You've come a long way, Brooklyn! Local Double Dutch Champs, the Jammin Jumpers competed at the World Championships in Sumter, South Carolina, June 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at I.S. 234 Arthur W. Cunningham School, Midwood, June 12, 2007 School might be coming to a close for Brooklyn kids, but on June 12 over 75 boys and girls from I.S. 234 learned both basketball skills and how to handle peer pressure, and had fun in the process. Brooklyn native and Nets great Albert King stopped by to say hello, signing autographs, posing for pictures and going over basketball 101. NYPD Officer Bill Dobranski spoke to the kids about life decisions and how to handle the effects of peer pressure.		Nets alum and Brooklyn native Albert King leads the team cheer at the Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic in Midwood, June 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at Kips Bay Y Gym, Sheepshead Bay, June 3, 2007 Basketball and life lessons were doled out at the Nets/FCRC clinic at the Kings Bay Y, a local Jewish community center in Sheepshead Bay. S pecial guest Albert King, a Brooklyn native and former Net, stopped by to pass on his knowledge of the game and how the decisions he made throughout his life led him to where he is today. NYPD Officer Officer Bill Dobranski continued the life-lessons portion of the program, stressing how even youths should be aware that the decisions they make now will determine their future.		Nets legend Albert King shows why he's Albert King at the Kips Bay Basketball Clinic, June 2007
P.S. 321 No TV Week, April 26, 2007 FCRC and friends joined P.S. 321 for it’s annual “Turn Off the Television Week” event. The school provided a variety of creative activities for children and their families to participate in together rather than staying home and watching television. Nets legend and Brooklyn native Albert King ran a mini basketball clinic in the gymnasium, inviting parents and guardians to be honorary coaches assisting him with the drills. Another big hit was a visit from the Bedford-Stuyvesant double dutch team, Jammin Jumpers. Six members of the team, ages 10 to 13, and their talented coach, Ruth Payne, demonstrated to kids of all ages how to jump double dutch.		Former Net and Brooklyn native Albert King (the tall "kid" at left) ran basketball drills at P.S. 321's annual "Turn Off the Television Week," April 2007
Alanzo George All Star Game, Tilden High School, April 24, 2007 On April 24, Tilden High School hosted the “Alanzo George All Star Game,” a fundraiser to help Tilden senior Alanzo George and his family pay for his rehab and medical bills. The high school hoops star was tragically paralyzed in a car accident earlier this year. FCRC and the Nets helped sponsor the event, joining NBA legend Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins, who came by to show his support for Alanzo and his family. Rock Eisenberg, Tilden High School’s men’s head basketball coach, organized the event.		Friends of Tilden High School senior Alanzo George show their support, April 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at Bishop Ford High School, April 10, 2007 Spring break means different things to different kids. To over 100 boys and girls from Park Slope and Windsor Terrace, it meant basketball! Participants were trained in basketball basics, learned about nutrition and teamwork, and tried to block Net great Darryl Dawkins. At the end of the day, the junior basketball stars went home with a goodie bag and some valuable life lessons.		Former Nets great Darryl Dawkins surrounded by future basketball greats in Windsor Terrace, April 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at I.S. 318, Williamsburg, April 5, 2007 On Thursday, April 5, when most public school students were on Easter week break, a representative from New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol’s office teamed up with FCRC and Basketball City at I.S. 318 to put on an all-day basketball clinic. About 90 boys and girls (ages 8 to 14) from I.S. 318 and the Williamsburg area participated in various drills and games designed to enhance basketball skills. A local police officer was also on hand to offer the children kind words of advice about growing up. “It was wonderful to have the Nets and Forest City work to provide something for our children to do during their vacation week while we have to go to work,” said one parent.		Nets legend and Brooklyn native Albert King was on hand to provide the children with basketball pointers and life lessons at the Williamsburg Clinic, April 2007
Celebrate Double Dutch Competition, Bedford-Stuyvesant, March 24, 2007 Over 150 children from all over the five boroughs, New Jersey and Long Island participated with their teams in the Celebrate Double Dutch competition at Saint Peter Claver Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Novice, intermediate and advanced teams competed in speed, compulsory and free-style divisions, hoping to impress the professional American Double Dutch League judges and former Double Dutch World Champions. Community friends, including a representative from Congressman Towns’s office, stopped by to support the jumpers. Community activist Tony Herbert even helped hand out medals and trophies. The keynote speaker, Dr. Angela Moses, stressed the importance of education, leading the crowd in an exciting “I CAN” cheer. In addition to medals and trophies, participants also received breakfast, lunch and giveaways courtesy of Forest City Ratner Companies.		"It's nice to be important, but much more important to be nice." - Keynote Speaker Dr. Angela Moses, Celebrate Double Dutch Competition, Bedford-Stuyvesant, March 2007
Intercity Basketball Tournament, St. Francis College, March 3 and 10, 2007 B-ballers from Brooklyn faced off against teams from the City of Brotherly Love over two weekends of competitive play. FCRC sponsored the Brooklyn teams, who traveled to Philadelphia the first weekend of the tournament. Brooklyn hosted the out-of-towners the following weekend at St. Francis College. Participants from both cities were treated to Nets hats, shirts, water bottles, posters and keychains.		Bagels vs. cheesesteaks? Brooklyn hosts Philly at an Intercity basketball tournament at St. Francis College, March 2007
78th Precinct Basketball Championship, Park Slope, March 4, 2007 When a basketball league of 750 kids boils down to a championship of 120, you know there’s going to be some good basketball! The 8- to 16-year-old boys and girls of the 78th Precinct Basketball league didn’t disappoint. For the second year Forest City sponsored the championship, giving away posters, basketballs, T-shirts and keychains.		78th Precinct Council Basketball Championship, March 2007
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at Saint Ephrem’s School, Bay Ridge, February 23, 2007 The cold temperatures of late winter were quickly forgotten by over 125 Brooklyn kids who came to the St. Ephrem’s gym in Bay Ridge on Friday, February 25, for the all-day Nets Basketball Clinic. Players ages 8 to 14 were given lessons on everything from the importance of defense to the challenges of rebounding. Participants also received lessons off the court–with motivational presentations addressing the importance of setting goals, dealing with peer pressure and making good decisions. The highlight of the day came after lunch, when the group got an entertaining visit from State Senator Marty Golden, followed by a memorable question-and-answer session with retired Net and Fort Hamilton High School hoops legend Albert King.		State Senator Marty Golden and former Net and Brooklyn native Albert King, February 2007 Girl power at the Bay Ridge Clinic!
Nets/FCRC Basketball Clinic at the Ridgewood/Bushwick Youth Center, February 21, 2007 FCRC hosted a free Nets basketball clinic at the Ridgewood/Bushwick Youth Center in Brooklyn. Bruce Ratner, president and CEO of FCRC, said, “Forest City is committed to supporting sports and athletics at all levels throughout Brooklyn. Nets basketball clinics emphasize the importance of teamwork, dedication and hard work–skills that are crucial for success–on and off the court.” Guests included former Net Darryl “Chocolate Thunder“ Dawkins and New York State Assemblyman Vito Lopez.		Former Net Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins chooses a volunteer at the Ridgewood/Bushwick Youth Center free Nets Basketball Clinic, February 2007
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