Hornets Court Refurbishment in New Roads
By: Brittany Cranston, Hornets.com
March 8, 2010
Hornets guard Darren Collison was on hand to shoot the first shot and dedicate the newly refurbished basketball courts at False River Park in New Roads, LA. The New Orleans Hornets and The La. Legislative Charity Fund teamed up to provide a much needed make-over for the dilapidated courts, which are used not only as a community playground, but also as a place for organized games for two local schools.
“To say these courts were in bad shape is an understatement,” said Sal Genusa, director of Pointe Coupee Parks and Recreation. “For the state legislature and the Hornets to come in and do something like this…it’s just wonderful. The smiles on the kids faces, and adults, says it all. Nothing puts it in more perspective than the smiles on their faces and the excitement they showed whenever (Collison) walked up.”
Proceeds raised from the annual Louisiana Legislature's Annual HoopLA charity basketball game between the House and the Senate and a Hornets’ contribution provided the funds for the courts’ make-over. State Rep. Major Thibaut, D-New Roads was randomly selected out of the list of names of all legislators who participated in the game last summer, and he selected the courts at False River Park in his district to be refurbished.
“With the budget constraints here, recreation is usually the last thing on the list,” said Thibaut, D-New Roads. “This court is unique because of where it’s located, and it brings together kids from all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s a chance for them to come together and make new friends. As you can see form the turnout, this court will be used a lot.”
The side-by-side basketball courts were painted to replicate the Hornets hardwood at the New Orleans Arena. More than 100 youngsters received a Hornets T-shirt and stepped foot onto the freshly painted court to participate in a free basketball clinic and question-and-answer session with Collison. The Honeybees, Buzz Patrol and Air Hugo also helped entertain all attendees with photos, autographs and inflatable games.
“Basketball is important to these kids, and this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet one of their heroes,” said Thibaut. “I think it’s wonderful, especially for communities like ours, to be exposed to the NBA and the Hornets and to have a piece of the Hornets in our community. I can tell you, the Hornets made a few new fans today.”
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By: Brittany Cranston, Hornets.com
March 8, 2010
Hornets guard Darren Collison was on hand to shoot the first shot and dedicate the newly refurbished basketball courts at False River Park in New Roads, LA. The New Orleans Hornets and The La. Legislative Charity Fund teamed up to provide a much needed make-over for the dilapidated courts, which are used not only as a community playground, but also as a place for organized games for two local schools.
“To say these courts were in bad shape is an understatement,” said Sal Genusa, director of Pointe Coupee Parks and Recreation. “For the state legislature and the Hornets to come in and do something like this…it’s just wonderful. The smiles on the kids faces, and adults, says it all. Nothing puts it in more perspective than the smiles on their faces and the excitement they showed whenever (Collison) walked up.”
Proceeds raised from the annual Louisiana Legislature's Annual HoopLA charity basketball game between the House and the Senate and a Hornets’ contribution provided the funds for the courts’ make-over. State Rep. Major Thibaut, D-New Roads was randomly selected out of the list of names of all legislators who participated in the game last summer, and he selected the courts at False River Park in his district to be refurbished.
“With the budget constraints here, recreation is usually the last thing on the list,” said Thibaut, D-New Roads. “This court is unique because of where it’s located, and it brings together kids from all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s a chance for them to come together and make new friends. As you can see form the turnout, this court will be used a lot.”
The side-by-side basketball courts were painted to replicate the Hornets hardwood at the New Orleans Arena. More than 100 youngsters received a Hornets T-shirt and stepped foot onto the freshly painted court to participate in a free basketball clinic and question-and-answer session with Collison. The Honeybees, Buzz Patrol and Air Hugo also helped entertain all attendees with photos, autographs and inflatable games.
“Basketball is important to these kids, and this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet one of their heroes,” said Thibaut. “I think it’s wonderful, especially for communities like ours, to be exposed to the NBA and the Hornets and to have a piece of the Hornets in our community. I can tell you, the Hornets made a few new fans today.”
