GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now) — A team of Greenbelt Police Department (GPD) officers and firefighters played a game of basketball Thursday night against teenagers, and both teams called it a big win for the community.
GPD officer Michael Thomas said it was bigger than bragging rights. The match-up with police and firefighters against the young kids is giving them something positive to do to have fun.
“Presenting positive moments to them is key. I think moments like this and basketball games and lots of these kids are not exposed to positivity so this is a moment to show them that we care and we are here,” Thomas said.
Blake Stevenson, 12, and his teammates were excited to play against firefighters and police.
“It’s just a fun experience. I was here last year but sadly we did not win but this year. I am looking to win to see if I can improve my skills and have a good time,” Stevenson said.
The young boys on the team are called the “Greenbelt Allstars.” They are aged 11 through 13.
Despite losing the game 31-33, Stevenson told DC News Now that getting to play against role models was more important than winning.
“If you are around bad people you do bad things and you can become a bad person. But if you are in a good environment and you are around good people that protect our community, you can do those things too,” he said.
The match-up was the 2nd annual community basketball game.
