Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and CarMax CEO Tom Folliard announced a new partnership to give 330 children in Richmond the opportunity to play basketball this summer.

With more than $100,000 in support from CarMax, Inc. and the CarMax Foundation, the City has renovated two public basketball courts at its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center and will kick off a new summer youth basketball league with 33 teams, including four all-girl teams.

“We are extremely pleased to have CarMax join us in reaching out to Richmond’s youth and families with this program,” said Mayor Wilder. “As mayor, it is one of my goals to create a safe and positive environment with opportunities that can lead to success for all Richmond citizens. This program takes the City forward another step toward reaching that goal.”

“Like the City of Richmond, CarMax supports programs that help young people build character and develop leadership skills,” said Tom Folliard, CarMax CEO and president.  “The summer basketball league will be a great way for Richmond’s young people to learn about teamwork while having fun.”

The renovated courts include new surfaces, new goal posts and nets, and the addition of new bleachers and players’ benches. They are free and open for the public to use, except during the season Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. when the league and its teams of children ranging in age from 10 to 17 will use the courts.

“We’ve worked hard to organize these teams, and we hope to see families and kids there rooting for their favorites,” said J. R. Pope, director of the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Part of the department’s mission is to provide exceptional recreation programs that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Richmond.

As part of the partnership, Tim Weathers, a graduate of the University of Richmond who played ball there, will serve as the league’s director. CarMax will provide jerseys for the children and equipment, and Richmond off-duty police officers will provide security. In addition to the recreation department teams, the league includes a Police Athletic League team, a team from the Richmond Outreach Center, and three teams organized by Weathers.

The season will run through mid-August, concluding with championship playoffs and trophies.

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