www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 21, 2006 - 15 Registration underway for Y basketball programs I t's a busy time of year for Brandon McGuire, Community Program Coordinator for the Oakville Y's Y Sports YBC Basketball program, as registration is beginning for the fall season. "We're very proud of our basketball program which the Y has been offering for well over 25 years," said Brandon. Not to mention the fact that basketball was created by a Y guy James Naismith. In 1891, Naismith was given the challenge to create an indoor game that would be motivating and easy to learn for the students at YMCA International Training School in Springfield Massachusetts. After weeks of experimentation, Naismith had the idea to look at some popular games like football and convert them to an indoor game. A few twists and new ideas and a couple of `peach basket goals' and the game was born. But it's not just history that makes a good league. YBC and WYBC (girls only) are popular recreational basketball leagues where the emphasis is on fun, fair play, fitness and skill development. "For many, it's just about getting out there, playing the sport and having fun," said Brandon. "We are a non-competitive league, so we don't even keep score until the kids are over 14. That makes it much less threatening for the kids they know that the focus is not on who got the points." Brandon recalled one 12-year-old youth who he had met at preview day one year. The boy had no basketball experience and was very unsure of himself in a team and competitive situation. "I placed him on a team with a coach who I knew was very positive and great at communicating with the kids and teaching them." In no time, this youth was in love with the sport. He bought himself a proper uniform and shoes, and would frequently come into the Y for drop-in basketball. "This boy was not one of our stronger players, but he went well beyond his coach's expectation and he had fun. Basketball made a big difference to his self-esteem and confidence, and he knows now that if he works at something he can achieve his goals." The Y's basketball leagues run from October to April and are offered for youth aged 6 to 17. Registration is now underway, and previews will be held in September. For more information, visit www.ymcaofoakville.com, and look under Programs, Y Sports, or call the Y at 905-845-3417. Watermelon eating contest July 29 Join in Longo's Annual Watermelon Eating Contest to be held Saturday, July 29 at Longo's Oakville. The store is located at 338 Dundas St. E. and the contest takes place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Join members of the community at the local Longo's to celebrate the summer and enjoy copious amounts of watermelon. Oakville kids will be invited to eat all the watermelon they can to win great prizes and trophies. Kids will also receive some free colouring books while parents will receive some refreshing watermelon recipes. For information call 905-257-5633.