Oakland, CA – The East Youth Development Center has been improving continuously over a decade. They had another reason to celebrate yesterday afternoon. The Golden State Warriors joined the Warriors Foundation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and the Good Tidings Foundation to unveil a newly refurbished basketball court. 

EOYDC is a center located in East Oakland that develops social and leadership growth for the youth and young adults ages 6-24. They also prepare them for employment, higher education, and leadership opportunities. Donations from all over the Bay Area has helped this center stay active and afloat for many years.

“The Warriors Foundation actually looks for the needs in a community and goes about fulfilling those needs in ways that are unmanageable,” said Regina Jackson, President/CEO of EOYDC. “This is the only gym, that is one of a kind in the city. The Warriors have extraordinary partnerships, who played an extraordinary role for all of you.”

Thanks to the NBA champs, the EOYDC has a newly remodeled basketball. Up to 100 kids showed up to hear Warriors player Ian Clark, Jackson (EOYDC), Rob Black (PG&E), Jose Corona (Mayor’s Office), Larry Harper (Good Tidings), Mark Curry (Comedian) and emcee Marcus Thompson (Bay Area News Group Sports Columnist) talk about the impact of the center and what it’s done for others in the community.

The court refurbishment is part of the Warriors Community Foundation’s “Makin Hoops” program. The Warriors and Good Tidings Foundation have refurbished over 50 basketball courts around the Bay Area, helping to revitalize local neighborhoods and communities. EOYDC has been one of the top community centers for youth in East Oakland for almost a decade.

“It’s special to be apart of this celebration today,” Black said. “It’s amazing to see so many smiling faces. This new court will impact how we play together, learn together and grow together. We wouldn’t be here today without the partnership of the Golden State Warriors.”

EOYDC has over 60 classes that serve more than 300 youth each week. Since 1978, the center has been a place where kids can get away from crime and violence that has plagued the area for years. More than 2,000 at-risk kids have been welcomed in the low poverty area.

The new court encourages more youth to come out and join EOYDC’s basketball youth program. Offering both male and female players an opportunity to participate in organized basketball leagues and develop their skills in a healthy atmosphere. The youth program also offers teens an opportunity to serve as mentors, coaches, referees and scorekeepers.

“It’s an honor be here, this is for the kids and the community and this is what we play for, our fans,” Clark said.

While most kids are inspired to shoot three-point shots like Warriors MVP Stephen Curry, EOYDC helps each child develop the confidence and commitment to pursuing their own dreams with help from the Warriors Foundation. Associating athletics with higher education, success, and giving back, the Warriors organization along with NBA Cares strives to improve the importance of education around the world.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post