Image by ruthclark from Pixabay
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) is hosting an Alumni Day on Saturday, April 27 as part of the end-of-year Club Basketball Tournament. Twenty-three Club alumni from the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s are returning to the BGCCIL flagship site, 300 S. 15th St., to be recognized between games.
The event was organized by BGCCIL Area Director and Basketball Program Coordinator, Kay Spearman. “As a former Club Kid, it is an honor in my adult life to look back and share in such a momentous occasion with fellow club members who recognize, cherish and love the Club for all the good it did for us,” said Spearman, “as well as the trouble it kept us from engaging in.”
The tournament starts at 10 am. The Alumni presentation is scheduled for noon, after the second semi-final game, and will be followed by the Elementary Championship Game.
“Club alumni represent our best ambassadors and are crucial to our continued success,” said BGCCIL CEO Tiffany Mathis Posey. “They carry the message of the impact the Club makes on kids’ lives. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a saying, ‘Once a Club Kid, Always a Club Kid’ and our alumni can testify to that. For the majority of them the Club was a second home, and will always have a special place in their hearts and they in ours.”
The BGCCIL basketball league consists of 10 teams (and cheerleaders) from Springfield Club sites representing eight elementary and two middle school locations.
The free event is open to the public. Concessions and “I Love the Club” shirts will be available for purchase.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are positioned to serve more than 2,500 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan). BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org
