White Plains, NY — Westchester County is once again supporting Mount Vernon's popular summer youth basketball program.

On Monday night, the Board of Legislators approved an agreement between the County and Mount Vernon for the program, which ran this summer at the A.B. Davis Middle School gym weekday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. The County also agreed to provide $20,600 in funding.

The program not only provides basketball skills and drills, but also life skills, including weekly speakers addressing different topics.

Legislator Lyndon Williams (D - Mount Vernon) said, "This is a very successful program being run by Coach Bob Cimmino, Mount Vernon High School Boys Basketball Coach. The program uses sports as a tool for teaching young men positive life skills and good decision making on and off of the basketball court. It teaches them to be leaders, not followers and instills positive values like camaraderie, teamwork and problem-resolution."  

Lyndon Williams and David Tubiolo

(L to R:  Legislators Lyndon Williams and David Tubiolo)

Legislator David Tubiolo (R – Yonkers, Mount Vernon), said, “This program helps young people stay away from harmful elements in our society.  It keeps them in a safe environment while they’re learning positive skills in discipline, technique and socializing. I’m ecstatic to be continuing our legacy of support for this amazing program. In the City of Mount Vernon, basketball is more than just a sport, it’s a part of our culture, it gives us respect, discipline and teaches life lessons especially to our youth.”

County Executive George Latimer said, “As a proud native of the south side of Mount Vernon, it is an honor to support this program in my hometown along with the City of Mount Vernon and Legislator Lyndon Williams. What this program will provide is worth much more than basketball lessons, lunch and a T-shirt, but rather an opportunity to do something constructive after school while getting to hear, see and learn from dedicated individuals who are there to help the enrolled children succeed. While not everyone can grow up to be Gus Williams or Ben Gordon -- the ‘life skills’ taught at this program will stick around long after a cross-over or jump shot has gone away.”