Noblesville Parks and Recreation has announced a new partnership with athletic organization, Indiana Pride Academy, to bring new recreational programs to Central Indiana’s youth. From this collaboration, new drop-in gym hours and a basketball refereeing class will be available at the Ivy Tech Recreation Annex, 300 N. 17th St. Enter through Gate 18 near the football stadium.
Indiana Pride Academy is an up-and-coming nonprofit that aims to make basketball accessible to Indianapolis-area families at any income level. It is founded on the concept of P.R.I.D.E.: Principles, Respect, Intelligence, Determination and Effort. Together, Noblesville Parks and Pride Academy hope to give back to the community by teaching youth to accomplish their goals successfully and provide a place to be active and enjoy a local, safe place to play basketball with other area youth who may not have that opportunity readily available.
“Watching these children develop life lessons of respect and determination while playing the sport they love has really increased the quality and expectations of Noblesville Park programming,” said recreation director Nichole Haberlin-Medaris. “I am so proud to be in a partnership that builds on our youths’ character that will one day form strong leaders.”
Beginning June 4, open basketball gym hours at the Recreation Annex will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays for ages 13 to 17 and on Wednesdays for ages 8 to 12 (open gym will not be held on July 9 and 10). The cost is $7 per visit or a punch card can be purchased for $50 for eight visits. Patrons are asked to please bring exact change for cash payments. Parents of the players are asked to register and sign a waiver online at noblesvilleparks.org prior to the first open gym visit.
In addition to the open gym sessions, the partnership allows the parks department to offer basketball referee training throughout June. Those who are ages 16 and older and interested in officiating youth, recreation or intramural leagues have the opportunity to learn from 20-year basketball official Ray Beverly. P.R.I.D.E. Basketball Officiating Fundamentals 101 will take place June 4 to 26 on Tuesdays (6 to 8 p.m.) and Wednesdays (8 to 10 p.m.) at the Recreation Annex, Gate 18. Cost for the two-day weekly session is $160 and registration is open on noblesvilleparks.org through June 3.
“With youth sports growing every year we understand the need to have qualified officials calling the games,” said Tyrone Daniels, Pride Academy CEO and licensed IHSAA official. “Once you complete this course you will be confident in your ability to maintain a very high level of professionalism and credibility while officiating a game.”