GRIC Receives $20,000 Donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

On July 21, Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods hosted the ‘It’s Her Shot’ event, bringing together young female athletes from the Community and around the Valley, ages 8-18, for a day of basketball skills clinics, games, and more. The event was held at Inspire Courts AZ in Gilbert, coinciding with the WBNA All-Star weekend.

During the event, the Gila River Indian Community was recognized and presented with a $20,000 check from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation to provide and enhance sports for youth in the Community.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Talia Apkaw, District 4, along with Community youth, were present to accept the donation on behalf of the Community.

“It was just an amazing gift,” said Gov. Lewis, “Just to see our young ladies out there with some of the best ballers at the Inspire Courts was great for them, to be able to get one-on-one coaching as well as coaching from the skills group.”

Apkaw has been playing basketball throughout her life and now coaches the Community team O’odham Hu’u.

“I hope that it goes towards the youth and the Community and mostly focuses towards sports or basketball in particular,” said Apkaw.

Elliot Kisto is just one of three coaches for the girls’ team BTB, also from the Community, who attended the event with two team players. They had the chance to participate in the day’s events.

“I love it. I wish there were more of our kids out here, but it’s a great experience,” said Kisto. “They have a lot of good things around, and a lot of people help to encourage them.”

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