ZUNI, NM (June 22, 2023) — Last month, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project concluded its 2023 Basketball League for children ages 7-12. Made possible with support by Nike, New Mexico Department of Health, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Zuni Public School District, the nine-week league welcomed 203 children this year.
Participating in the 2023 Basketball League were 108 children in the Shiwi Division for 7- to 9-year-olds, and 95 children in the Zuni Division for 10- to 12-year-olds. Starting March 20, the two leagues practiced twice per week at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School and Zuni Middle School, respectively, with game nights at Zuni High School on Fridays.
The season concluded with a final tournament for eight teams in the Zuni Division on May 19-20. Although ZYEP did not offer a tournament last year, ZYEP Physical Activity Coordinator Tyler Sice said the staff was pleased to bring it back for 2023.
“Healthy competition is a wonderful opportunity for youth to build character and resilience,” he said.
The program is about so much more than the game, however. ZYEP is dedicated to the idea that youth sports have the power to transform lives and unify communities, so each sport league offers opportunities to build skills and have fun in a highly supportive environment that teaches holistic wellness.
That means the youth participants are also learning about nutrition, hydration, self-esteem, teamwork, conflict resolution, and how to support others in a positive, healthy way. And, they’re building valuable connections with positive role models and mentors along the way.
“From the first day of everyone being shy and in their shell to the end of the season, I can say we all made a close bond with each other,” said coach Lani Penketewa. “I’m grateful I took this wonderful opportunity.”
Post-program surveys reveal that ZYEP’s consistent messaging about holistic wellness is having an impact on youth participants. For one, 38 percent of the children reported that they drink at least eight glasses of water each day, which is an increase of 8 percent since the program began in March.
Ninety-four percent said they feel healthy rather than unhealthy, which is a 3 percent increase, and 97 percent said they feel happy more than sad, which is a 6 percent increase.
Sice said the youth project staff was pleased to see that 80 percent of youth participants in this year’s Basketball League reported that they feel they have friends who support them, a 4 percent increase.
“We saw this during game play and practice, when the kids were really engaged,” he explained. “What excited me about this season was the level of enthusiasm the kids had. It started before registration and carried throughout the season.”
Their level of excitement was mirrored in their coaches, Sice said, noting that the 45 volunteer coaches demonstrated an impressive level of dedication and commitment to the kids from the moment they started coach training back in February.
“This year’s basketball season was a great one,” said coach Mariah Natewa. “Helping the youth made a great impact on me. They really inspired me to continue with coaching, because they taught me so much about themselves and about how I can help others. I enjoyed seeing the kids get excited about something new, getting their first basket, taking the ball away, and just gaining that confidence.”
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually. In addition to basketball, young people also are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in soccer and flag football, as well as a new summer league in T-ball. More importantly, they have access to mentorship through ZYEP’s staff and coaches, camaraderie with teammates throughout the leagues, and powerful community spirit.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
