Posted to Athletics by Danielle Richard
(Shreveport, Louisiana) – Once a month, for the next 5 months, SPAR Athletics will be hosting a 3 on 3 Unity Basketball Tournament at a SPAR Community Center Outdoor Basketball Court. Masks and social distancing will be required at the games. The purpose of the Unity Tournaments is to enrich the quality of life by providing a safe, positive, and active opportunity within our community through basketball.
City of Shreveport / SPAR Athletics is calling on all hoopers, basketball players, and anyone who loves the game of basketball to sign up their team and show the Shreveport community we can come together for UNITY. Space is limited, so if you are interested please sign up as soon as possible. Teams can register online at MySPAR.org. Payments can be taken over the phone by calling the Athletics Office.
Shalon E. Lewis, Lead Superintendent of Athletics for SPAR, hopes this event can bring together the Shreveport neighborhoods through the game of basketball.
“We see this basketball tournament as a way of engaging and interacting with young men and women on a positive note,” Lewis said. “The most important message is to live in peace and unity within our community.”
The tournament dates will be as follows:
- Saturday, May 15, Airport Park
(Registration now until Friday, April 30)
- Saturday, June 19 (Juneteenth), Valencia Park
(Registration starts Sunday, May 16 until Friday, June 4)
- Saturday, July 17, Sunset Acres Park
(Registration starts Sunday, June 20 until Friday, July 2)
- Saturday, Aug 14, David Raines Park
(Registration starts Sunday, July 18 until Friday, July 30)
- Saturday, Sept. 11, A.B. Palmer Park
(Registration starts Sunday, August 15 until Friday, August 27)
Tournament divisions will be as follows:
Men/Women
- Division I (18-29)
- Division II (30-up)
*Double Elimination Tournament
Payment details:
- The entry fee is $10.00 per player (max 4 players)
- Card payments can be made over the phone by calling 318-673-7748 or at the Athletics Office for a cash/card/checks/money order payment
The winner of the tournament will receive a champion t-shirt, goodie bag, and bragging rights until the next tournament! If you have questions about the tournament, contact Sarah E. Metoyer at Sarah.Metoyer@shreveportla.gov or Shalon E. Lewis at Shalon.Lewis@shreveportla.gov.
Posted to Recreation by Danielle Richard
Grambling State University World Fame Marching Band Fraternities (Epsilon Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Zeta Mu Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma) donated drum sticks for the drumming therapy for City of Shreveport/SPAR Therapeutic Program. The drumming therapy was taught by Ms. Breleisha Gilbert, former intern student and now Assistant Professor at Grambling State University-Leisure Studies Program.
The word rhythm in Greek means to flow. Drumming is a path of healing that guides us into experiencing the flow of our mind and emotions so we may grow to experience more about our soul. It is an experience were we can release, restore and heal. Research indicated that drumming accelerates the physical healing, boost the immune system. In addition, studies conducted by research professionals in the fields of music therapy and mental health show us that drumming:
- Reduces tension, anxiety and stress
- Helps control chronic pain
- Boosts the immune system
- Releases negative feelings, blockage and emotional trauma
City of Shreveport would like to thank Grambling State University World Fame Marching Band for their invaluable contributions to the SPAR Therapeutic Program.
Posted to SPAR by Danielle Richard