Basketball Programs Put Some Bounce in Winter Break Activities

COMMERCE CITY – ‘Tis the season … for basketball!

Like the Jolly Old Elf himself, the Commerce City Recreation Center offers a sack full of programs to engage youth, and basketball is on the top of the list.

Give your child the gift of fun and fitness by enrolling him or her in a basketball league. Whether they are new to the game or have played for a few years, boys and girls alike will have a blast learning the game and honing their skills. The program is designed for recreation, and all participants are given equal playing time.

Registration begins Dec. 1 for all basketball programs, and will remain open until all teams are full. Hurry to assure your child a spot on a team and sign up early.

Leagues are offered for K-6th grades, with grade divisions and both coed and separate programs for girls and boys. The season starts in early January and runs 6-8 weeks. Practices are 1-2 times each week at local schools, with games on Saturdays at the Recreation Center.

League participants can also attend a free basketball clinic provided by coaches from Adams City High School, and they will have a chance to participate in the Denver Nuggets Skills Challenge.

Winter break activities
With a Basketball Skills Camp and free Denver Nuggets clinic offered during the winter break, there are plenty of activities to keep your little elves involved. The Nuggets’ free clinic is 4:30-6 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Recreation Center. It features basketball professionals who offer help in developing skills and technique.

The skills camp is directed by Tim Jones from Above and Beyond Player Development and focuses on footwork, ball handling, shooting and fundamentals. Participants in this camp will receive a free shirt and basketball when they sign up – cost is $30 for city residents. The camp is Dec. 29-30 at the Recreation Center. Grades 3-5 play 9 a.m.-noon and grades 6-8 play 1-4 p.m. each day.

Also during the break, participants in Commerce City Youth Basketball can attend the Nuggets’ Jan. 9 game against the Dallas Mavericks at a discounted price. Participants will be courtside for pre-game warm-ups and several will be chosen to high-five Nuggets players during pre-game activities.

Another winter break offering is the Denver Nuggets Skills Challenge, a free competition for boys and girls. Players will dribble, pass and shoot for the highest score and a chance to advance to sectional, then state, competition.

There are several great basketball programs for youth this holiday season – make everyone’s season a little brighter with a fun and rewarding gift of basketball.

For more information on Commerce City Youth Basketball, check out the Parks and Recreation Web site, http://www.c3gov.com/; call the Commerce City Recreation Center, 303-289-3705, or visit us in person at 6060 E. Parkway Drive.