Spreading a little Thanksgiving love and spirit this week, Denver’s Accelerated Prep teamed up with Denver Dream Center for the annual “HOOPS for HOPE” youth basketball camp on the home court of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
More than 120 5th-12th graders showed up for the two-hour camp, which continues to raise awareness about and combat the issue of youth violence in the Mile High City.
“This was an incredible opportunity for me and the boys, and we’re so grateful for the Denver Dream Center for allowing us to be part of the journey to bring hope to the hopeless and build up our community,” said Accelerated Prep coach David Carey. “The experience was an absolute blessing, and we look forward to doing it again next year.”
Denver Dream Center was established in 2014 by Bryan Sederwall – affectionately known as “Pastor B” – to help rescue people, rebuild lives, and restore dreams. Ten years later, the organization continues to connect broken people to a community of support by providing free resources and services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of homelessness, hunger, poverty, addiction, abuse, and education.
“The HOOPS for HOPE camp is one of various outreaches and community programs that we’ve built and designed to restore lives and provide hope to those in need,” said Pastor B. “We’re thankful to coach Carey and the wonderful boys of Accelerated Prep for sharing our belief in the power of hope for individuals, communities, and us all.”
Accelerated Prep senior Xaviel Rodriquez, said: “It means a lot to give back to the community, give back to the kids. I once looked up to high school and college players myself, so I know how these kids feel and how much they probably looked forward to having fun, competing against each other, and learning some new things.”