Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR)

This week at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Trinidad Recreation Center in Northeast Washington, more than 50 young people have been attending the Dynamite Basketball Camp and learning far more than the rules and fundamentals of basketball. These District youth are developing stronger characters and acquiring leadership skills thanks to the innovative character development program that has conducted camps around the country since 1998. Dynamite Basketball conducts camps each year in Chicago, Dallas, Louisiana and, for the first time, in the District of Columbia.

"DPR is proud to welcome innovative programs like Dynamite Basketball into our centers,” said DPR Acting Director Ximena Hartsock.  "DPR is always looking for opportunities to enhance the programs and offerings for our youngest residents through program partners like Dynamite Basketball."

"Dynamite Basketball is a character and leadership development camp designed for urban at-risk youths," Troy Terrell, Dynamite’s founder and CEO, said.  "Our goal is to help our nation's youth develop into successful adults. Thousands of girls and boys have attended our camps, and it is amazing to watch the positive change that happens from the first time they arrive at the gym to the 'Championship Day' awards ceremony on the final day of the camp."

Since hosting its first camp in Louisiana 11 years ago, Dynamite Basketball has positively influenced thousands of youth throughout the nation and abroad.  The free camps teach the environment and techniques of basketball while emphasizing proven character and decision-making lessons to deliver a message of hope, peace, purpose and perspective.   For more information about this week’s camp or the Dynamite Basketball program, contact Troy Terrell, (318) 773-1111.