Boys & Girls club nets BWW grant

Money will help fund youth basketball program for county kids

ralphhardin@gmail.com The Boys & Girls Club of Crittenden County has received an All-Stars sports grant from Buffalo Wild Wings, and that money will go toward building up the club’s basketball program while saving local families on the cost of registration.

“With this grant we are able to offer basketball for both boys and girls at a discounted cost,” said club director Darin McCollum.

And with the new windfall, the club is taking a cool approach to putting teams together for the upcoming basketball season.

“To promote good sportsmanship and school spirit we decided that we would place kids on teams by school instead of having the customary draft or just placing kids randomly,” said McCollum. “Marion and West Memphis superintendents both gave their OK and we have given the information to the principals that we have been able to contact.”

Pizza Pro has also offered to purchase awards for the end-of-season tournament and crown “Crittenden County Champions” in each division, 4th through 6th grade.

“Marion Schools, West Memphis Schools, City of Marion and City of West Memphis are already covered on our liability insurance and all coaches, players, and fans are always covered on our accident insurance,” said McCollum. “This is not a marketing ploy. This is a way to give back to kids in our community and let them enjoy a team sport with their classmates.”

With fall sports in full swing currently, the focus will be shifting to basketball in a few weeks, and McCollum pledges a focus on fairness.

“Boys & Girls Club of Crittenden County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” he said. “We are held to high standards and accountability on all programs we conduct.

We are here to serve our youth.”

For questions or concerns, contact the club Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 870-7351658.