Page 46 - January 2020 FOP Magazine

Officers launch another slam dunk season with the Westside Police and Youth Sports Conference
Eleventh District Officer Theresa McBeth knows how import- ant it is for children in the community to have safe, enriching and affordable activities to participate in after school. As a mother herself, McBeth is constantly on the lookout for extra- curricular activities for her 13-year-old son to participate in while she is on the job.
That’s why when the 15th District introduced the Westside Police and Youth Sports Conference in the summer of 2019, McBeth knew it was something that she and her son could get involved with.
In December, McBeth officially joined the league as one of the leaders of the 11th District basketball teams, alongside 11th District officers Latonya Capers and Karita Tutwiler.
“Our kids need more free stuff to do in our neighborhood,” McBeth said. “Parents can’t always pay for activities.”
On Dec. 19, Chicago youth, families, officers, business own- ers and other members of the community gathered at Melody Elementary School in West Garfield Park for opening day of the Westside Police/Youth Basketball League. Officers, faith-based leaders and other organizations teamed up to continue the Westside Police and Youth Sports Conference mission of work- ing with the community to offer a beneficial sports experience for kids.
When basketball season came around, 15th District Youth Li- aison Officer William Martinez knew it was his time to step up to the basket to help organize the 24-team league that spans the 10th, 11th, 15th and 25th Districts for grades 3 through 8.
“I was like an ad- visor with the bas- ketball aspect of the program,” Martinez shared. “I went out seeing the different practice sites and met with the coaches.”
Martinez also orga-
nized a partnership with the Beyond Athletics organization to provide youth with other coaching role models who are com- mitted to helping youth reach their goals.
The start of the basketball league provides another opportu- nity for officers like Martinez to work with the community while creating positive relationships between youth and law enforce- ment.
“What I like is actually seeing the development and the growth. The kids actually take constructive criticism,” explained Martinez, who sees a difference in his team’s character and ath- letic ability each day. “To see them pick it up and take the lead, that’s what I find rewarding.”
46 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2020
y f D d e h b e d t
d n g a p t
w c p e t
w C