DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 29, 2006 DHSS-88-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FATHERHOOD CELEBRATION BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Saturday, September 30th, 1:00pm-6pm
WILMINGTON - September is Child Support Month. In honor of this, we are planning a Fatherhood Celebration Basketball Tournament (~120 men, 18+ years of age) on Saturday, 09/30/06, between 1:00-6:00 PM in cooperation with the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreations. The event is being heal at the PAL Center, 3707 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19802
The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is partnering with the City of Wilmington and other community and faith based organizations to remove barriers that any father would face in being, becoming or remaining a positive influence in their child(rens) lives. Using a publicized basketball tournament as the draw to gather fathers of all types and situations (intact family, single custodial father, non-custodial father, current or delinquent in child support), DCSE in conjunction with its partners will provide each basketball participant & members
Chuck Hayward, Child Support Enforcement Division Director said, "This event is not just about fathers-- it is a community wide event. This tournament is unified campaign that is resilient in sustaining effective coordination of collaborative resources and services that support and foster positive and meaningful outcomes for fathers and families by increasing the partnerships with business, government, community and faith-based organizations state wide.
The day's event will consist of 10 teams of men (ages 18+) from the City of Wilmington Basketball League playing basketball for free throughout the day. The players/teams will need to register upon arrival; they will then receive t-shirts and play 16-18 games. Food & Beverages will also need to be prepared and served to the players mid-day. The day's theme is to "create opportunities for stronger families" by connecting, educating and motivating fathers and the local community to obtain important information on social services, to connect with local business/organizations, to understand and receive products/services available to them, and to learn more about the important roles that fathers play, or can play, in the lives of their children. We also want to commend fathers who are attempting to meet their financial and emotional obligations to their children, and to help them establish, re-establish and maintain a financial, emotional and spiritual connection with their children. KISS 101.7 will provide a 2 hour live broadcast between 1:00-3:00 PM and Monte Ross, UD Men's Basketball Coach will be our guest speaker @ 3:00 PM.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
