The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing their brand to Stark County, hoping a few hours of dribbling drills can make a difference. On June 12, the NBA franchise teams up with the YMCA of Central Stark County to host the Cavs Summer Basketball Academy. It is a one-day affair. Don’t expect NBA superstars to walk through the door, but the kids will get some exercise.
The circus stops at two locations. First up is the Alliance Family YMCA from 9 to 11:30 a.m. After a quick lunch break, the action moves to Canton’s Eric Snow Family YMCA from 1:30 to 4 p.m. It is open to boys and girls aged 8 to 14. They promise high-energy instruction. They promise fundamentals. Mostly, it is a chance to burn off some energy.
Junior Cavs staff will run the show, aided by local volunteers who probably deserve a medal. It is not entirely free, unless you qualify. Families under the TANF assistance program pay nothing. Everyone else forks over $75. For that price, the kids at least walk away with a jersey and a basketball. It is something tangible.
YMCA representative Michael Brown put the usual positive spin on it, calling the event an “incredible opportunity” to build character and healthy habits. Sure. Or maybe it just gets them away from screens for a morning. Either way, spots are limited. If you want in, you need to register fast at either YMCA branch or online at ymcastark.org.
