Open Gym
At Lily Missions Center
Open Gym
We believe in using sports as a powerful tool for building character, teaching valuable life skills, and fostering a sense of community. Our Open Gym program is designed to bridge the gap between gifted basketball players and younger kids in the community, creating opportunities for mentorship, growth, and mutual respect. Through this initiative, we aim to help kids develop not only their basketball skills but also a deep appreciation for teamwork, hard work, and respect for the game.
Role Reversal
One of the most powerful aspects of the Open Gym program is the role reversal it creates. The gifted players, who are typically the ones on the court, take a step back and become the encouragers instead of the ones being cheered on. By sitting in the stands and cheering on the younger players, they get a chance to experience the perspective of the kids who look up to them. This role reversal helps foster a sense of humility and responsibility in the older players, allowing them to see the impact they can have as role models.
It also provides an opportunity for younger kids who are usually in the stands watching their favorite players feel empowered, knowing that the athletes they admire are cheering them on and offering guidance. It’s a reminder that the gifted players were once in their shoes and that they too can grow, develop, and achieve success.
The Open Gym program is more than just a chance to practice basketball. It’s an opportunity for the younger players to learn essential life lessons:
Developing Skills On and Off the Court
Basketball Fundamentals: They’ll work on basic skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, communication, and teamwork.
Teamwork: The program encourages collaboration and effective communication on the court, teaching kids how to work together toward a common goal.
Respect for the Game: We emphasize that basketball, like life, is a gift. We teach children to honor the game and recognize the talent they’ve been given.
Role Models: Older players teach younger kids not only how to play but also how to carry themselves with integrity, humility, and respect for others.