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While the emphasis is on the good in the community, its roots came from a less positive place. Springfield High boys basketball coach Isaiah Carson wanted to correct that with the first Positivity event in 2016.
“Springfield had a lot of violence and negativity. It’s getting better, but we want to continue to push, to try to celebrate everybody - youth and adults and bring the city together,” said Carson.
That gathering had an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 people and was successful according to Carson, and this second session looks to be bigger in scope.
Athletics are one of the major platforms with a youth basketball camp tournament, high school basketball shootout, wiffle ball tournament, dunk and 3-point contest and youth football to take place in and outside the school.
“It’s a good way for kids to come together in one place,” Carson said, who is organizing Positivity II with assistant basketball coach Matt Yinger.
There will be several other things families can enjoy including 20 resource booths, free massages, bouncy houses and kids’ activities, 10 food trucks and live entertainment. The day will begin with a positivity rally at 9 a.m. to get things off on a good note.
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“The title of this is a huge reason we want to be involved,” said Kali Lawrence, co-executive director of Springfield Promise Neighborhood. “The great thing is connecting families to opportunities in Springfield, where they can do things together and celebrate the wonderful things in the community.”
The event will end with a special alumni all-star basketball game featuring players from the former North and South High Schools taking on players from Springfield High. Carson, a South High hoops star, is especially excited about this and looks at it as a reflection of Positivity’s overall theme.
“It’s all about a brotherhood, bringing together all of these great players together. We’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
Carson said he doesn’t foresee another two to three year gap. He sees it as staying annual and growing. He said he also hopes to add other sponsors to make it even better and bring the community together even more.
For more information on the event, go to www.facebook.com/events/2305773819479114/.
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