This past Memorial day Basketball teams from several states came to Colorado participate in the
The Reebok Series Eloy Mares Memorial Day Mile High Showdown, held at the Gold Crown Center.
The series has been held in St. Louis for 15 years, and this year came back to Colorado to honor the late great athlete Eloy Mares.
One of the teams competing was Colorado Prospects Academy which focuses on helping Urban and Native American youths in the Denver Metro region.
Coach Daryle Conquering Bear discusses how the program developed from the 'Sacred Hoops' program.
Here he is along with players Elias Her Many Horses, Simako Marshall, Kaya Francis and recent graduate and now College Basketball player, Katrina Her Many Horses.
The coach on finding a mentor:
Find a supportive Mentor, that older person that believes in you, and really a chit chat, a conversation with them... Don't be afraid to talk, use your voice, you are very powerful...
The tournament also gives hope to lots of players as teams from many states competed in this year's tournament.
Here is Marc Mares explaining the reason behind the tournament - funding for school supplies for students as well as funding the Annunciation school of Denver.
And here is his St. Louis team, Rising Star, fresh from their Bus from St. Louis.
And it is fitting they held the event in the Gold Crown Center.
From Gold Crown's website:
Gold Crown Foundation, a Colorado nonprofit 501c3, offers youth sports and education programs to nearly 20,000 boys and girls annually throughout Colorado and the surrounding states. Founded in 1986 by former Denver Nugget player and coach, Bill Hanzlik, and his partner Ray Baker, Gold Crown Foundation's mission statement is "Educating Youth and Community Through Sports and Enrichment."
This tournament highlights the positive impact on youth through sports, and Colorado Prospects Academy is doing the same with our local Native American youth in Colorado. A win-win!