BRIDGEPORT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) visited the Officer Friendly Basketball Camp at Bassick High School in Bridgeport and addressed campers and counselors. Himes spoke about the importance of education – particularly higher education – and taking school seriously.
Pictures of today’s event can be downloaded here.
“Visiting this camp has given me the opportunity to see just some of the many incredible things the City of Bridgeport is doing for its at-risk youth,” said Himes. “Not only are these kids learning important developmental skills and staying off the streets, but they’re having fun while doing it.”
The Officer Friendly Basketball Camp, run by Bridgeport Police Officer David Daniels, is a two-week program for inner city and at-risk youth ages 11-15. For 14 years, the camp has been providing summer enjoyment, team building, personal strength development, and mentoring to hundreds of children in need, free of charge. Activities include warm ups, lectures, guest speakers, contests, and basketball competitions; breakfast, lunch, drinks and t-shirts are also provided for the campers. The staff consists mostly of high school basketball players.