Midnight Basketball
From Hoopedia
The National Midnight Basketball League was founded in 1986 by the late G. Van Standifier in Glen Arden, Maryland. Mr. Standifier initiated the late night summer basketball league for older teens in response to escalating crime rates and evidence of drug-related activities in the Glen Arden Township. The program operated between 10pm and 2am three nights weekly during the summer months. The season was divided into regular and championship tournament sessions. Young men between the ages of 17 and 25 are eligible, with proof of county residence, on a first come reserved basis.
This program was started as an alternative for young adults to drugs, crime and other problem activities. Midnight League gets kids off the streets by offering late night basketball and mandatory education, counseling, mentoring and personal development workshops in a safe environment. Midnight Basketball helps develop discipline and direction plus provides participants a source of pride and accomplishment.
The Midnight Basketball League was funded entirely by the local business community and staffed by volunteers. During the initial summer, the program operated without incidents and with increasing public Support. In fact, it proved to be a great source of pride, even for those who opposed it at the begining.
On April 12, 1991, President Bush visited Glenarden, Md. to celebrate National Community Point of Light Week. the President named the Midnight Basketball League, Inc. the 124th Daily Point of Light.
