This winter the NB3 Foundation partnered up with Tamaya Wellness Center (Pueblo of Santa Ana) to bring a basketball league to local youth. Basketball is popular in the communities with many youth leagues scattered around the area, however, many are not affordable or accessible to families. Participating in an Albuquerque league requires families to travel over 20 miles just for the child to participate. The Tamaya Wellness Center is located just north of Albuquerque – making it more accessible to many local tribal communities and families.
There are currently over 190 youth participants ranging from 5-17 years old in the inaugural league. Through the partnership, league games are played every Saturday at the Tamaya Wellness Center gymnasium located in the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Teams are coached by parents and local community members who all received coach’s training. Coaches also have access to equipment and the gym to host a practice at least once a week.
When the cross country season comes to an end, it usually means the foundation’s youth programs are on break until the spring. However, with the addition of the basketball league, we are happy to say we provide year-round youth programs for Native youth.
We’re grateful for the continued support of the Pueblo of Santa Ana and it’s Tamaya Wellness Center. Without the partnership and the use of their facilities, this league would not have been possible.
