Players, coaches, artists needed for basketball tournament
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News from the Salish
& Kootenai Housing Authority
PABLO — Preparations have begun for the Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority to sponsor two high school basketball teams (10 girls and 10 boys) to participate in the AMERIND All West Native American Basketball Classic in Lakewood, Colorado. This year the event has been scheduled for March 26-29.
The idea for this tournament stems from a heartbreaking rash of young Native American alcohol related deaths; some were the result of suicide. Although similar deaths take place on reservations all across the nation, it was a pattern on rural reservations in the Western regions. The purpose of creating the tournament was to give Native children hope, which reaches far beyond reservation life to “give youth experience and opportunities in education, to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and to generate positive self-awareness.” The tournament features educational and inspirational speakers from the Native American community, the sports world and other individuals who have a message for our youth. It’s an opportunity for youth who have never visited a major urban area to experience urban lifestyle and interact with the urban youth participating in the activities.
Team selection will be made by the Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, staff, coaches and interested community members, through a two-day tryout session, to be scheduled at the end of the high school basketball seasons. Interested judges are urged to contact Rhonda Burke at (406) 675-4491.
Coaching opportunities
It is a goal of Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority to allow all eligible high school participants and area coaches an equal opportunity to be a part of this event. Therefore, we would like to extend an invitation for letters of interest from individuals, with coaching experience, who would like to contribute to this year’s All-star teams.
Please submit your letter of interest to Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority, ATTN: Rhonda Burke, P.O. Box 38, Pablo, MT 59855, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Feb.11. Letters of interest should include: 1) contact information; 2) coaching experience; 3) preferred team (boys or girls); 4) What you can offer the collaborative program and why you would like to be involved.
Selection of coaches will be made at the Feb. 17 Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority Board of Commissioner’s meeting.
College scholarship
The Mark K. Ulmer Memorial Native American Scholarship Foundation offers a four-year, $4,000 Scholarship, paid at $1,000 per year, to high school seniors participating in the event.
To be eligible the player must: 1) be a high school senior in 2015; 2) apply for the scholarship by Feb. 1, 2015; 3) play in the 2015 All West Native American Basketball Classic; 4) be involved in Tribal and community affairs; and 5) keep a required grade point average.
With the deadline fast approaching, high school seniors planning on being involved in the event are encouraged to visit the website at www.markulmerscholarship.org to download an application. The website also offers instructions on how to complete all forms.
Artwork contest
Artists may submit original artwork to be used as the 2015 Salish & Kootenai All-Star Logo.
Artwork requirements are: 1) drawing must be on a plain sheet of paper, at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches, no larger than 12 by 12 inches; 2) no more than four colors; 3) visually related to basketball; 4) must contain: Salish and Kootenai All-Stars 2015; 5) must include the artist’s name, address and phone number clearly printed on the back of artwork.
Bring original work to the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority located at 46243 Highway 93 in Pablo, MT or mail it to SKHA ~ ATTN: Rhonda Burke, P.O. Box 38, Pablo, MT, 59855, before Feb. 13 at 4:30 p.m.
The winner of the art contest will be selected on Monday, Feb. 16 with a vote from Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and staff.
