Basketball is more than a game for Eatonville Mayor Eddie Cole.
“The thing I love about basketball, and I’m 27 years coaching at Rollins College, chaplain for the Orlando Magic," said Cole. "One thing I know about basketball, every kid might not be a great basketball player, but every kid can become a great person and that’s through the positive options through basketball."
- Eatonville's daily summer basketball league
- Nearly 300 children take part, from all over Central Florida
- Organizers say basketball can teach positive lessons
The Town of Eatonville's Recreation Department, which is led by Rod Bargaineer, hosts a daily summer program benefiting nearly 300 children.
It's an opportunity for 10-year-old Ja’Torian Mack, who lives in Eatonville, to make new friends.
"Meet during the summer," Mack shared.
However at night, the Eatonville Summer Basketball League brings in boys and girls of all ages, from across Central Florida.
“It’s fun. I love playing with my team," said Josiah Ortiz, a soon-to-be fifth grade student from Orlando.
That's why "Coach Rod," as Bargaineer is also known as, does not mind the long hours sitting on the sidelines to make the ESBL a success.
“We have kids that come from as far as Eustis and Leesburg, all the way over to DeLand that come and participate in some of our programs that we’re having over here in the Town of Eatonville," said Bargaineer, who serves as the director of the Town of Eatonville's Recreation Department.
“It’s a little different. Different teams play different ways, some teams play aggressive, some teams don’t," Mack explained.
However, the game of basketball is a sport that will continue teaching Mack life lessons, like never giving up and always getting back up when you get knocked down.
“Playing basketball, having fun with my team and working hard," Mack said.