Elkins YMCA celebrates inaugural Girls’ Summer Basketball League
Fundraiser announced for continued gym improvements
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The Elkins YMCA is celebrating the success of its inaugural Girls’ Summer Basketball League, a brand-new youth program that includes six teams representing local businesses, with 44 girls participating from Randolph County and neighboring communities. The goal of the league was to create an exciting summer focused on skill development and confidence-building while also taking advantage of the flexibility and fun summertime has to offer.
Over the past several weeks, girls ages 9-14, have participated in practices and games while forming new friendships and growing both on and off the court. The league was created to provide additional opportunities for female athletes during the summer months and has exceeded expectations in its first season.
Athletes from Elkins, Belington, Mill Creek, Pickens and other surrounding communities participated in the league. Some of the girls play for their school teams, while others had never played basketball before. The league was made possible through the dedication of volunteer coaches, community sponsors and parents who invested countless hours supporting the athletes throughout the summer.
As participation in YMCA youth basketball continues to grow, the Elkins YMCA is inviting the community to support continued improvements to its gymnasium through an upcoming Free Throw-A-Thon Fundraiser. Recent renovations have included a resurfaced gym floor, new wall mats and chairs, exterior balcony windows and upgraded LED lighting. Funds raised through this year’s fundraiser will help support the next phase of improvements, including new basketball equipment and much-needed HVAC upgrades.
Participants are currently collecting pledges from family members, friends, and local businesses for every free throw they make out of 20 attempts. The Free Throw-A-Thon will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Elkins YMCA.
The community is also invited to attend the league’s final two nights of games on Thursday and July 30, from 5-9 p.m. All six teams will be in action as the inaugural season comes to a close. Visitors are encouraged to cheer on the athletes and see firsthand the recent improvements made to the YMCA gymnasium. The season will conclude with a league-wide pool party for all participants on August 6.
The Elkins YMCA extends its sincere appreciation to its volunteer coaches, basketball committee, sponsors, staff, and parents whose dedication and support have made the inaugural Girls’ Summer Basketball League a tremendous success. The YMCA looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to expand opportunities for young female athletes throughout the region.
For more information about supporting Elkins YMCA youth basketball programs or the Free Throw-A-Thon Fundraiser, contact Program Director Nic Casey at nic@elkinsymca.com