Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The annual Champion Circle teen basketball game was held on July 24th at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 South US-27. The much-anticipated game is hosted by the local non-profit organization, Give-A-Day Foundation, an organization that supports teen males during the school recess season through the Champion Circle program.
This year’s defending champion, the Clermont Police Department team, led the way in the pre-game drills and spirited workouts. But when the official game whistle blew to start the matchup, the Champion Circle team took a quick lead and held the lead throughout the game.
Three-point shots were ample from both teams, with the police department struggling to gain a lead while the Champion Circle team put self-induced pressure on themselves to maintain a wide lead. In the end, Jeremiah Cole from the Champion Circle team catapulted the final three-point shot with 8 seconds left on the clock, leading to a 76-57 victory over the police department team.This week’s game was just one activity that the high school-age teens have been busy with this summer. The Champion Circle program is hosted by Otis and Sandra Taylor, Founders of the Give A Day Foundation, and is a youth empowerment program for young men ages 14-19. The program was created with the intent to help equip young men with the necessary tools and guide them in a direction that will open doors to possibilities of building a successful future.
The teens volunteer to help with certain community events such as the recent Sommer Sports races held at Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola. The young men also participated in a hands-on class setting at Hyundai of Central Florida where they learned basic automotive skills such as checking engine oil and changing a flat tire.
The View Clermont and Clermont National provided an afternoon of hands-on golf experience where experienced golfers taught the fundamentals and techniques of the game.
Dr. David Taylor provided a workshop for the teens that focused on effective communication and the power of listening to others with understanding. The workshop included interactive activities, positive body language, and healthy, safe ways to resolve conflict.
Members of the Clermont Fire Department provided a day of hands-on experience learning what it takes to serve as a firefighter. Participants dressed out in full turnout gear, operated charged fire hoses, learned fire extinguisher use techniques, and enjoyed a tour of the facilities and fire engines.
Although this year’s program is nearing its end, the Give A Day Foundation works with teens and young adults year-round through a variety of programs. Visit www.GiveADayFoundation.org or the organization’s Facebook page at Give A Day Foundation, Inc. for further information.
