San Francisco — Empower Me Academy (EMA) helps young people find a place to belong so they can achieve excellence and make an impact. The nonprofit youth basketball organization in San Francisco offers enrichment programs for sports excellence with a unique culture focused on values.
The Thon Basketball Program is one of the main programs at Empower ME Academy. The event is a mix of March Madness and an NBA All-Star game for Bay Area kids, from kindergarten through high school, from all backgrounds and communities.
“I am the one who came up with this idea that youth sports or just sports in general should be a platform to empower people, especially children,” said Jerome Gomps, CEO/Founder of Empower Me Academy.
After playing professional football in Europe, Coach Gambs was inspired to return to San Francisco and help children of all ages and skill levels advance and thrive on and off the field.
“It makes me feel valued and important,” said Bennett, a member of the Empower Me Academy. “When you feel valued and important, it gives you confidence, and that confidence can take you to the next level.”
Basketball-Thon is open to children of all ages and skill levels. Players participate in 3-on-3 tournament-style games with fun and competitive side games such as the Dunk Contest. The event mixes players of different ages and genders, so everyone learns to cooperate as a team.
“EMA isn’t just a gym for me, it’s the way I make my bed, how I brush my teeth, and how I lace my shoes,” said Gaydon, a member of Empower ME Academy. “EMA is not just how you are on the court, it’s a certain lifestyle.”
“This program gives me a lot of things, leadership, confidence, compassion, empathy and how to be a good person,” described Empower Me Academy member Healy.
Basketball-thon also focuses on giving back with tournaments and games that raise money. Since its founding in 2013, EMA has provided more than half a million dollars in educational assistance to disadvantaged youth.
“From a young age, my mother taught me that the true purpose of life is to serve others,” Gambs said. “I feel like this is my message, this is my way of making the world a better place.”
For more information about Empower Me Academy and Basketball-Thon, visit over here.
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