Lowell Police Youth Services, in Partnership with the Lowell Housing Authority, Organizes Basketball League for City Kids

Lowell Police School Resource Officer Jose Santiago, at right, holds his whistle at the ready as he referees a three on three basketball game organized by Lowell Police Youth Services on the North Common recently. Lowell Police officers from LPYS and Lowell Housing Authority staff served as referees during organized games as part of a league on several basketball courts spread out around the city in recent weeks. The basketball league is just one of several programs organized by LPYS to build relationships with youth while also providing healthy activities such as basketball and boxing. (Photo Courtesy Lowell Police Department)

LOWELL — Lowell Police Youth Services recently organized a series of three-on-three basketball games in city parks, giving everyone from age 10 to 20 a chance to play organized basketball with police officers and Lowell Housing Authority staff serving as referees.

Between June 25 and Aug. 6, Lowell Police Youth Services (LPYS) and the Lowell Housing Authority (LHA) partnered to organize six three-on-three basketball tournaments at Mulligan Park, the Moody Street Playground and the North Common.

Police provided water and Gatorade to players, and no registration was required. Anyone ages 10 to 20 was welcome to show up, play a few games and get to know officers and LHA staff on a more fun level than usual.

Dozens of Lowellians got to meet neighbors, meet police, and form relationships on the court in a fun and healthy format.

The basketball program is one of several organized by LPYS, which seeks to build relationships between police and city youths while also providing kids with healthy and confidence-boosting activities. The program is also one of several partnering LYPS and the LHA.

Funding for the games was provided by the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, administered by the Office of Grants and Research. The Shannon Community Safety Initiative seeks to reduce gang violence and gang participation by building relationships between police and the communities they serve.

“I’d like to thank the Lowell Housing Authority for once again partnering with us to create healthy and confidence boosting activities for city youth and LHA residents,” said Superintendent Hudon. “Lowell Police Youth Services is committed to creating healthy opportunities for every child in Lowell.”