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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 8, 2008 - 27 Nash youth basketball at YMCA of Oakville I n partnership with Basketball Ontario, Canada Basketball and the Steve Nash Foundation, the YMCA of Oakville is proud to introduce Steve Nash Youth Basketball to Oakville. Steve Nash Youth Basketball is a national youth basketball program designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love for the game of basketball. The Y will launch the program this fall with a vision of creating a quality house league program in the community. "Steve Nash is the premier name in Canadian Basketball" said Liz Raponi, who oversees Steve Nash Youth Basketball as Manager, Community Development and Education for Basketball Ontario. "Steve Nash Youth Basketball brings each participant closer to their dream of one day playing professional basketball by teaching fundamental skills and life lessons at an early age." The model for the program was established after extensive research of existing community basketball programs from across North America and follows the guidelines of Sport Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD). The goal is to allow participants the opportunity to maximize their potential, while promoting the importance of youth basketball as a vehicle to build life skills such as character, discipline, self esteem and sportsmanship. All of which benefit our youths as they continue to play basketball or in life. Basketball Ontario hit record heights in house league participation reaching more than 30,000 participants across Ontario in 2007. The YMCA of Oakville will launch Steve Nash Youth Basketball this fall -- for information or to register, call the Y at 905-845-5597, ext 234. For more information on the Steve Nash Youth Basketball program, visit www.basketball.on.ca. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ON THE COURT: Steve Nash in action.