Charity | Nson Contributes Cash in "Point-For-Cash" To Boost Outreach Program

USIU Tigers guard, Abel Nson contributed Kshs 3,500 to the ALSA Community Outreach Program over the weekend. Nson had pledged during the JaMalaria U-17 basketball camp, that he will pay up Kshs 150 for every point he scored against the UoN Terrorists in their league encounter, to aid the Junior basketball groups under the ALSA Outreach banner. He managed 23 points, Kshs 3,450, and topped up the extra Kshs 50. This action followed Nson's interaction with the juniors, some of whom were training in sandals or old and worn-out-sneakers, but were determined to learn basketball at the camp. The cash will be used to purchase sneakers and other training gear for the juniors.

PROGRAMS | Kariorkor Saints to Get Kitted

ALSA Community Outreach Program for developing kids basketball in low income areas received a boost after the Coach decided to secure funds from his savings to purchase basketball uniform for the kids in Kariorkor. The program which started two years ago has seen the kids develop fundamental basketball skills and engaged in various tournaments during school breaks as a way of keeping them occupied and away from negative influences that surround them such as drug use, crime and being idle. Besides the games, the kids engage in clean ups with help from local players who engage in ALSA Community Service. The kits will take 8 months to purchase and to have the whole team fully kitted as the coach will be kitting two players each month alternating between two boys and two girls. Although it will take long to kit the whole team, the players and the coach have opted to work with what they have as they all work hard for what they want. Well wishers are invited to support this program and others that ALSA facilitates as we strive to promote and develop the game further by contributing materially or in kind in the form of basketballs new/used in good condition, trophies and other awards to facilitate youth initiated tournaments, scholarships, renovation or construction of basketball courts, kitting a self sponsored basketball team. email: hkaudia@yahoo.co.uk for further information.

Putting A Smile on Children's Faces | Kariorkor Saints Junior Basketball Team kitting project that was started three months ago by their volunteer coach Harie and ALSA received a boost of T-Shirts from Kenya International Player Peter Kiganya (Argentina)-2nd from right. Merab Georgia, Team Manager and Girl's Team Captain received the T-shirts on behalf of her team. Kiganya is one of Kenya's best kept secret of players who have showed other young players there is room for Kenya talent in the world market. He is on vacation and is spending the better part of his holiday in sharing with children from variuos community basketball groups. Using his network of friends and coaches, Kiganya is helping teams from low income areas look their best during games by facilitating the acquisition of Uniforms and Basketball Equipment. Besides kitting, Kiganya also coaches Kimathi youth as a volunteer coach and participates in ALSA Community Outreach Programs in his capacity as international player and role model. Kiganya hopes to set up an organization that will enable him and like minded individuals and organizations to facilitate the development of basketball especially in low income areas by mostly providing basketball equipment. Eager to give back to his country the blessings and opportunities he has gotten through the game of basketball, it is within his future plans to settle down and take basketball in Kenya to another level. Currently, Kiganya is playing with Cooperative Bank of Kenya where he has been intrumental in their winning streaks as they head to the 2006 Play Offs of The Kenya Basketball Federation Semi-Professional Basketball League. Other Junior Basketball Community Groups are also in need of similar support. Through JaMalaria Basketball Camp, each team was given two basketballs; however, more still needs to be done to enhance the teams' capacity to play basketball. If you are willing and able to donate or would like to contribute to this course by donating basketballs, adopting a team, constructing or building a community basketball court, or sponsoring a clinic/camp/tournament feel free to contact ALSA Head of Operations, Harrison Kaudia +254 722 479738 or email: info@alsabasketball.co.ke. In kind contibutions are encouraged.

ALSA IN THE COMMUNITY | Kariorkor Community Junior Basketball

Kariorkor junior youth aged 16 and below have formed a team for both boys and girls. They call themselves "Saints". Although they have been learning the game for a while now, they have not gotten a chance to put their skills to test by playing other kids of their age.

Saints are looking forward to making a debut in basketball friendlies, tournaments, but unfortunately no leagues. Saints is comprised of kids from Kariorkor community who are from various schools. Although faced by inadequate equipment such as basketballs, shoes, and jerseys, this does not deter their spirit and love for the game and will to take up challenges as they emerge. They manage their team through organising and conducting fundraisers such as shoe wash where they wash and clean shoes at a minimal fee. So far, only one such fundraiser has been conducted. It took place at their home court, as they say, "Charity begins @ Home". This enabled them to buy training shoes, shirts, and shorts for some of their team members. Since the money was not enough to cater for all the players, they started what they call "chain reaction", a method in which for every training item a player gets from the team, he pays 25% of the total cost. The money collected is returned to the team account and the sum is used to buy items for other players. ALSA gets used basketballs from individuals of goodwill who occassionally use their free time to join Saints in practice and impart some skills on them. If you are willing and able to connduct a shoe wash fundraiser in your area or interested in contibuting to this course, your inquiries are invited. The Saints is just but one of the various outreach programs ALSA seeks to explore. Once Saints are established and can walk on their own and teach fellow kids how to walk, ALSA shall replicate the program to another community. Saints welcome invitations to tournaments, friendly matches, and other forms of engagements that relate to basketball for children of their age.