PORTLAND, Ore. (February 2, 2023) – The Portland Trail Blazers have announced the return of the organization’s Youth Basketball Program, Rip City Hoops. The program, shuttered since 2020, returns to benefit youth throughout the Pacific Northwest with basketball clinics and continued support for local coaches and youth.
As part of the relaunch of the program, Trail Blazers players and coaching staff, including youth basketball coaches, will host a comeback Rip City Hoops clinic at the Trail Blazers Practice Facility on Tuesday, February 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Youth from local nonprofit organizations, including Portland Reign Basketball Academy, Y.O.U.TH, and African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) have all been invited to participate in the clinic and learn from Trail Blazers players and coaches. The event will conclude with a Trail Blazers Trivia session where kids will be joined by Blaze the Trail Cat and Douglas Fur to compete and win prizes.
"I’m excited to welcome the return of our youth basketball program as it’s historically served not only as a space for youth to learn foundational basketball skills but to also develop skills off the court,” said Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations. "Increasing access to sport is integral for the development of Portland youth as it teaches lifelong lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. We're proud to bring this program back and help make a small impact in the lives of the next generation of Rip City.”
“I am thrilled to be a part of bringing back the Youth Basketball program here in Portland,” said Danielle Williams, Portland Trail Blazers Youth Basketball Manager. “Encouraging youth to stay active and how to be a good teammate is so important for their development and the health of our entire community. I cannot wait to positively impact Rip City through our various camps, clinics and other events.”
Our Rip City Hoops Youth Basketball Program is dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment where youth can learn the game of basketball within a respectful and supportive setting. For more information, please visit trailblazers.com/youthbasketball.