Beyond Sport

Bitty Ball - Beyond the Ball

Award Entered:
Sport Federation or Governing Body of the Year
Parent Organisation:
Beyond the Ball
Project Host Nation:
United States, Chicago: Little Village
Overview of Project:
The specific social issue that our project tackles is gang culture. The city of Chicago experiences high levels of gang violence which stems from the normalization of gang culture in our communities. Through the sport of basketball,we teach youth personal and social responsibility. This program serves as the foundation for a sport based youth development relationship that Beyond the Ball will maintain with its participants into adolescence and their adult lives. Bitty Ball targets youth from kindergarten to second grade. The formation of ideas and attitudes towards gang culture develop at an early age. Many youth have already come to accept gang culture as “normal” by the time they are in fourth or fifth grade. During these early years Bitty Ball teaches participants about building a healthy community and creating positive peer networks.

Comments

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Magali Salgado: 15 Oct 2010 - 15:22 BST

Great Program to help kids motivate their education, and to stay out of any bad influences. Glad there are people like them, to help out.

Ryan Michel: 30 Sep 2010 - 15:26 BST

ditto. BtB is a heroic example of love - taking initiative with little ones in Little Village and leading them step by step. BtB are examples - their interaction encourages kids as they grow up to make great choices.

Kristie: 26 Sep 2010 - 20:38 BST

We are so thankful for the great leadership and positive influence of those involved in Beyond the Ball in Little Village. The great examples and committment to these children is one of selfless giving and inspiration to each of the children in Little Village. Beyond the Ball is an AWESOME Program!!!

Stephanie Leung: 22 Sep 2010 - 18:18 BST

Physical activity, socialization and team work are what our children need --This kind of program does just that. These children are our future.

Dcotter: 22 Sep 2010 - 03:39 BST

Good luck, great program!

azucena: 21 Sep 2010 - 05:32 BST

thanks to ms amy and coach rob, we had lots of fun with the kids in bitty basket ball this summer and the other programs

Nichole Michael: 20 Sep 2010 - 22:49 BST

Ms. Amy and Coach Rob, I always have fun everytime I attend the basketball session and all of your other programs. Thank you very much. I love you.

David Michael Rivas: 20 Sep 2010 - 22:44 BST

Thank you so much coach Rob and Ms. Amy for all the great activities. I love being part of the beyond the ball program. Coach Rob, you're my idol.

Lynn: 20 Sep 2010 - 21:20 BST

May the Bitty Ball program get all the support it needs for these who shall have a safe after school program and a great future.

Luz Zavala: 20 Sep 2010 - 20:59 BST

Thanks to this program my children have the oppurtunity to play outdoors feeling safe.I don't know what families in my community would do without it.We can't afford to take our kids to places where you need to pay for membership.We are very grateful for having Amy and Rob in our neighborhood,they're wonderful people.GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Liz: 20 Sep 2010 - 18:17 BST

This organization lives up to its name! They are more than just about the ball. They provide an excellent source of education combined with physical fitness and leadership in a community well deprived of it. As a parent of children who attended bitty ball I am extremely proud of an organization who reaches out at to improve the weaknesses in our community. When I moved away we drove drove 45 min to continue with you guys! At least until our pockets allowed us to... WELL WORTH IT!!

Juan Valerio: 20 Sep 2010 - 17:14 BST

As a former Beyond the Ball attendee I can say that this program saves many lives. By keeping kids off the streets it helps keep them safe and out of trouble. Rob and Amy do a great job keeping the kids entertained but more importantly do a great job of mentoring the children. I am so thankful for everything that they did for me and Rob is one of my favorite people and mentors in the world. I love Beyond the Ball and everything it stands for. Keep doing your thing Coach.

Carmina: 20 Sep 2010 - 06:37 BST

We need to let our children and youth know that there are better choices in life. They should not accept violence, drugs and vandalism as something normal. you for taking the initiative and effort to help Little Village! You are already WINNERS!!

Laura Cabral: 20 Sep 2010 - 03:59 BST

It is motivating to see the work of young and bright visionaries concerned for the well being of children. It's the responsibility of other young people to be as proactive. It should also be the goal of other adults to support this type of project, so that it can be carried out with the greatest success possible.

Claudia: 18 Sep 2010 - 20:35 BST

Thanks for showing dedication passion PANDA!

Claudia A. J.: 18 Sep 2010 - 20:33 BST

Its programs like this that keep our younger generations away from violence and focus on teamwork, motivation and surrounds them in a positive atmosphere. With love and passion, I vote for this Project to continue making a positive impact! Spreading the word and voting is so important to show that there are voices and support in signatures. Thanks for the dedication and passion you have shown to thisProject - Cristobal Martinez!

Astrid Hernandez: 17 Sep 2010 - 16:32 BST

Go Aly Go!! I support you all the way :)

Eva Gonzalez: 17 Sep 2010 - 07:16 BST

Congratulations! Great program!

Theresa Reyes: 17 Sep 2010 - 05:53 BST

I played bitty ball as a kid.It's a great learning experience for kids.It teaches them both social and leadership skills.It's a great intro to basketball

Mrs. Garza: 17 Sep 2010 - 04:21 BST

What a great program beyond the ball is for our families and community. Growing up in this community I know how much the children need the experience they are getting from this program. They are not just playing they are building friendships and bonding with their parents. Nothing gives the teachers at Ortiz de Dominguez more joy than to see our students happy,excited and ready to learn.

Gabriel's Mom: 17 Sep 2010 - 03:26 BST

Good luck Josepha Ortiz de Dominguez! My son loves the program!

Leticia Salgado: 17 Sep 2010 - 00:38 BST

This program is great! My daughter is part of this program and loves it! Bitty Basketball truly deserves this award for making a difference on young kids lives. Many thanks to Rob and Amy!

Robert Bachman: 15 Sep 2010 - 00:05 BST

Good job and good luck! We are behind your efforts all the way!

Carmen Malave: 14 Sep 2010 - 20:32 BST

Rob, Amy and all of their volunteers do great things for not just our community but for students in our public school system. Sports are a necessity for our young students and Bitty Basketball makes it happen for them! Thank you for all of your support!

Lupe Gonzalez: 11 Sep 2010 - 22:17 BST

This program is about young children learning how to play together in a nurturing environment that Amy & Rob have created with their growing team. Let's help support the positive programs to provide a more hopeful future for our children and our community. Children need a safe haven like Beyond the Ball.

Angelica Herrera-Vest: 10 Sep 2010 - 17:53 BST

Bitty Ball has been wonderful for our children in the community. Rob and Amy truly special.

Megan Dorman: 10 Sep 2010 - 15:34 BST

Thank you to all of the amazing people who put together this program! Rob and Amy are such wonderful individuals and deserve this award.

Benjamin Prestbury: 09 Sep 2010 - 23:48 BST

I sure do hope that Bitty Ball win be selected to receive a check. I also hope that Bitty Ball will be around for many, many Bitty kids to come.

Rob Castaneda: 09 Sep 2010 - 09:51 BST

Thanks for voting everyone. Edgar, we do have bitty ball soccer and for the past two years there has been soccer on the street along with b-ball on the block. We really appreciate everyones support. Thanks again!

Edgar Montelongo: 09 Sep 2010 - 04:21 BST

Beyond the ball is good! I also know they do b ball on the block. Good Stuff, but maybe some soccer wont hurt, since we do live in a Hispanic neighborhood.

Benjamin Estrada: 08 Sep 2010 - 20:15 BST

Beyond the Ball has been a great program.Amy and Rob are a treasure in our community.Good luck!!

Tanya: 08 Sep 2010 - 19:59 BST

It is an empowering program for every student who participates. Keep the votes coming!

Jaime: 07 Sep 2010 - 22:53 BST

Beyond the Ball is a winner! Great program, great people!

Molly Acord: 06 Sep 2010 - 16:08 BST

Thank you for all you do! I hope the votes come in for this wonderful program!

Miss Diane: 04 Sep 2010 - 08:37 BST

I teach at the school where the focus of the program takes place. Every student would attend the program everyday, if they could - they love it. However, it's focus reaches far outside the walls of a school. It reaches children who have been through the K-2 program, and as 3rd graders want to help and give back to the younger children. It reaches families who together learn to play and interact within the activities Amy and Rob have designed. This is a dangerous area for children to walk around, but with Bitty Ball and Beyond the Ball, these families can enjoy normal outdoor activities without fear. It is an inspiring program that I believe helps shapes the lives of many children who could choose gang life, but will not, due to the influences of Bitty Ball.

Mr. I: 03 Sep 2010 - 03:43 BST

I actually know the people that run this program. They are fine people with a sense of compassion and community. This program goes Beyond the Ball and changes the lives of all the children involved. In a community that lacks so many resources, the love that is provided by the adults participating in this organization is abundant. I know that if money is allocated to this small organization with big dreams, it will go a long way in supporting the culture of positive change that is already going on.

Rich Sullivan: 03 Sep 2010 - 02:10 BST

You guys are my heroes.

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