On behalf of Councilwoman Judy Waldman, Councilman Elvis Maldonado stepped to the podium during July’s Special Council Presentation to honor the demonstration of excellence of area youth athletes involved with the basketball programs offered by MDI Sports of Homestead, specifically those who placed in the skills competition during the NYBA’s (National Youth Basketball Association) All-Star Game.
MDI Sports strives to emulate the NBA experience. The MDI Sports basketball program consists of eight to ten regular season games, playoffs and best out of 3 championship games. MDI’s basketball seasons run longer than in any other league in South Florida, which provides the children the opportunity to learn plays, techniques and play as a cohesive team by the end of each season. Another unique facet of MDI that approximates a professional sporting environment is the maintenance of a statistical database that records all players individual stats that not only allows the player to monitor their own performance but the data may be used by recruiters looking for kids to play for their respective schools.
“As Chairwoman of the Parks and Recreation Department, I have always been a strong advocate of offering our residents a robust athletics program,” said Councilwoman Judy Waldman. “Sports not only maintains physical fitness, but is extremely beneficial to an overall healthfulness that builds character and encourages teamwork. We are lucky to have MDI Sports as part of the landscape of our city and a hearty ‘Congratulations’ to our skills competition winners!”
The honorees were Head Coach Jon Wasielewski of the 7U and 17U Pistons, the 7U Pistons featuring Urick Grant, Raul Gutierrez and Joel Gutierrez. The 17U Pistons featuring Roy Gamino, Jr., Preston Moore, Angel Ocasio, Jr., Mike Quintino and Assistant Coach Ray Valdez, Head Coach of the 14U Bulls, Mario Guzman, Assistant Coach Freddy Martinez and their player representative, Yandy Gonzalez.
Councilman Maldonado ended with some final words. “The City of Homestead thanks you, MDI Sports, for the opportunity you provide to Homestead’s youth to participate in an exciting program which teaches our children motivation to pursue their dreams and the discipline to achieve them. I am reminded of the words of the great John Wooden, ‘You can’t have a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.’ “
