October 1, 2019, Attleboro, MA,    The Attleboro Youth Basketball Association (AYBA), announced this week that it has approved donations to Attleboro middle and elementary schools, as well as funds to complete the Nick Vero Memorial Court on Prairie Avenue.  The donations include adjustable glass backboards for Hyman Fine and Hill-Roberts elementary schools, new basketballs for every public elementary and middle school in Attleboro, and funds to support refurbishment of the outdoor basketball court in honor of the son of a former longtime AYBA board member. 

“The AYBA was fortunate to have had another successful year in 2018-2019,” said Craig Wright, President of the AYBA. “With extra funds that exceed our operating requirements, we continually find ways to re-invest into the community. We worked closely with the local schools to identify areas of need where we could help. The funds purchased new adjustable glass backboards at two elementary schools and will benefit the many different AYBA teams that practice at these gyms. More importantly, they will provide gym teachers and after-school program directors the ability to lower the rims down to eight feet, which is more appropriate for the ages of the students in those schools. The current backboards are ten feet.”

The AYBA also donated funds for the purchase of 120 basketballs to be distributed to every Attleboro school so that gym classes can be well-supplied for the new school year. “We visited each school to identify potential needs and this was the common answer we heard,” added Wright. 

The AYBA, a non-profit volunteer organization, recently opened registration for their upcoming rec and travel basketball leagues this past month and is entering its 33rd year of operations. It is considered one of the most respected youth basketball organizations in the area.  The AYBA offers recreation leagues and competitive travel basketball for nearly 1,000 Attleboro boys and girls from Kindergarten through High School.  

Wright added that the AYBA was proud to support the refurbishment of the Nick Vero Memorial Court on Prairie Avenue in Attleboro. Nick’s mother Lindsey was a longtime member of the AYBA board, and the refurbishment of this court will allow players of all ages to play outdoors throughout the warmer months.  Those renovations were completed earlier this spring.      

The response so far from educators and from David Sawyer, Superintendent of Attleboro Schools, has been very positive, which makes the entire AYBA board and volunteer coaches excited about the upcoming year.  For those interested in registering your child to play basketball this winter, you can visit www.bluepridebasketball.com for details. 

For more information contact Craig Wright at Craig.wright@bd.com  or 508-455-7180.