Roanoke's youth b-ball league unites community

Dozens of kids played in this year's summer league. (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS) - This week, wrapped up the "lea's Youth Outdoor Basketball" league for young people in Roanoke. City leaders said the summer program helped to connect the police with youth, in a positive way.

"This not only inspired and encouraged our young people but it made an impact in the community," said Sherman Lea, Roanoke City Council member . "Citizens are saying {they} are so glad this happened in our community."

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Roanoke City leaders said the summer program helped to connect the police with youth, in a positive way.

Organizers said close to 200 kids took part in the summer league. This was the event's first year. It was open to anyone between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. The league featured police officers in a variety of roles such as coaches and timekeepers.

Officials said the goal was to strengthen the relationship between police and teenagers. Parents and kids said the summer league made a positive impact on their community.

"I think it was real nice because they had it at a park that needed to be fixed up and they fixed it up," said Jazz Lynch, summer league participant.

As part of the final day of the summer league, Kevin Jones, a former NFL and Virginia Tech football player, spoke with the kids about the importance of education and goal-setting. Organizers said they hope to expand the league to other parks next summer.