The neighborhood kids rushed to their shiny new court once the giant blue ceremonial ribbon was clipped at Means Park in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
The two-acre park came alive fueled by the excitement of the residents gathered together to celebrate their new Thunder Cares basketball court.
For Mayor Mike Brown, hoop dreamers of today and tomorrow finally have a place to call home thanks to the efforts of the city of Weatherford, Enable Midstream Partners and the Thunder. He knew the seeds were planted on this day for the love of the game in his city.
“I’ve been hearing people saying they can’t wait to get out and play,” said Brown. “So this place is going to be busy for years to come.”
Complete with photo ops and high-fives, the festivities of Court Number 27 for the Thunder Cares Foundation came with a rambunctious Rumble the Bison and the crowd-pleasing Thunder Girls to go with a high-energy performance from the Thunder Drummers.
To add to the fun, the Thunder conducted a skills challenge for the girls and boys to cap the afternoon drawing cheers from the crowds. In some ways, watching the kids take their vertical leaps or test their handles in a who-can-score-first layup line was like watching a mini pre-draft workout.
It was a portrait of passion and fun for the game.
“My favorite part is to be able to engage with the community,” said Deanna Farmer, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Enable Midstream Partners. “Our hope is that this court provides a place to encourage healthy lifestyles for all.”
