Media Contact Only:  MosesAlexander Greene, (202) 673-7684

Tonight, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will launch the “Harry Thomas, Sr. Late Night Hoops Basketball League” at three DPR facilities in Ward 5, Trinidad Recreation Center, 1310 Childress St., NE; Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave., NE; and Langdon Park Community Center, 2901 20th St., NE. Funding for the new league is being provided through the Ward 5 Gang Intervention Program.

The new league will be active every Friday night, April 4 to May 23, 2008, with games running from 9 pm to 12 am. Six teams will be hosted at each DPR location, and the season will feature an All-Star game, playoffs, and a championship game.   DPR teams will also be playing against two additional teams fielded by the Metropolitan Police Department and local radio station 93.9 WKYS-FM.

“I’m excited to tip off this new Late Night Hoops league in Ward 5 tonight,” said DPR Director, Clark E. Ray. “Late Night Hoops is usually only a summer program, but through our combined efforts, DPR is able to be proactive once again and be an active part of the District’s efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe. Late Night Hoops programs are a proven and effective deterrent to crime and provide a positive alternative for late night activity.”

Director Ray will join Councilmember Thomas for tonight’s league tip-off at 8:45 pm at the Langdon Park Community Center.

For More Information:  Michael Williams, DPR Athletic Programs Administration, (202) 671-1700