Complex to Offer Midnight Sports for ‘High-Risk’ Youths
Residents of a community housing village in Wilmington plan to introduce midnight basketball and volleyball for youth who are associated with gangs.
The programs will be every Wednesday and Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight, starting next month, said Donna Capelouto, program coordinator with the Dana Strand Resident Advisory Council.
“It will be for high-risk kids (who) either want to be gang members, are gang members or are ex-gang members,” Capelouto said.
“We’re trying to set up to have someone there to counsel the kids, if they want, and give referrals. We want to make it more than just an athletic event.”
The Los Angeles Police Department, the city and various community groups are supporting the plan.
Capelouto said she expects about 12 teams will be formed for 120 youths--males 16 to 24 and females 14 to 20.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
