Buffalo – Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by representatives from the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services, the Buffalo Police Department (BPD), the North East Basketball Club, Buffalo Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), AT&T, and GBUAHN, held a recognition ceremony today for the participants who completed an intense 6- week basketball training and life skills development camp in Buffalo. Under Mayor Brown’s direction, ‘Game Changers’ started in 2013. Since then, eight free camps have been offered to city youth, giving them a safe place to play ball and learn other life skills lessons. The program concluded tonight with a final celebration and graduation ceremony at Waterfront Elementary, located on Fourth Street in Buffalo.
“This program is much more than a basketball program. The 225 participants met community leaders, elected officials, educators, and entrepreneurs,” Mayor Brown said. “Through Game Changers, these young men and women were introduced to dozens of potential life-long role models, and given a vision of hope and a reminder that through dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Since 2013, the program has seen over 1,200 boys and girls attend the Friday evening sessions. Support for this season of Game Changers came from Mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo, BPD, PAL, AT&T, GBUAHN, the North East Basketball Club, Erie Community College, The Buffalo Common Council, Mister Pizza, as well as a number of individuals, clergy members and business leaders and companies.
For more information about the Game Changers program contact the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services at (716) 851-4001.
