NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Maine Celtics

Red Claws Team up with Enterprising Windham HS Students to Renovate Court

October 21, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have joined the efforts of two Windham High School students to renovate a public basketball court in the town of Windham. The court, which is currently in severe disrepair and unusable, is located near the Manchester Elementary School and will be the only public outdoor court in the town of Windham.

"We were approached by Windham highs school students Matt Dyer and Matt Desmond early in the fall seeking the Red Claws' assistance to renovate an outdoor basketball court in Windham," said Red Claws President and General Manager. "I was impressed with their drive, organization and determination, and after witnessing the sad state of the courts, we were more than happy to jump on board with the project."

Windham High School seniors Matt Dyer and Matt Desmond launched the project to bring outdoor recreational basketball to Windham as part of an entrepreneurship class at Windham High School. Prior to approaching the Red Claws, the pair had already received approval from the Windham Town Council and Windham-Raymond School Committee for the project and had several area businesses agree to donate or significantly discount services and materials.

"There are a lot of kids in Windham who play basketball, but there really is no where that is open and free for everyone to use," Desmond said. "At first, we were a little nervous to talk to all these important people like the Town Council and members of the school board and meeting with Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings, but everyone was really enthusiastic about the idea and the work we had done."

With cracked pavement filled with weeds and broken or missing hoops, the courts are currently not usable. The entire surface will be repaved to allow for two 84'x 50' (high school regulation) courts with brand new goals and a separate area for street hockey and ice skating in the winter. The surrounding area will be improved with increased visibility and lighting. Additions to the project, should funding allow, could include player benches, spectator seating and improved access to the area from the parking lot. Renovations will begin in November, including the removal of the broken goals and the preparation of the area for paving.

"The Windham Parks and Recreation Department has attempted to renovate the Manchester School Basketball Courts over the years but have not been able to come up with all the necessary funds. This time, with the hard work and determination from Matt and Matt, the renovations will become a reality this year," said Brian Ross, Windham Parks and Recreation Director. "We are very excited that these courts will be renovated for the use of basketball and ice skating in winter season. Many residents of all ages will benefit from this renovation project."

"This project has truly been a team effort, and it all began with the vision of two high school students," said Jennings. "They took all of the necessary steps and brought together all of the people that were needed. Our understanding is that this is something that the town of Windham has wanted and needed for a long time. Matt and Matt were the spark that was needed to bring it all together, and the Red Claws are happy to be a part of such a great project."

Several area businesses have pledged funding for the renovations, even before the project was formally announced, among them Mercy Hospital, Quirk Chevrolet, the Town of Windham Parks and Recreation Department, Rampart Bituminous, and D&J Excavating. Additional funding will be needed to complete the project, which organizers hope to complete by early spring.

"We've got a great start, but there is a lot more to do," said Matt Dyer. "We hope the town will come together to help us complete the project and give kids and adults in Windham a great court to play on that is safe and well-maintained."

MAINE RED CLAWS FOUNDATION ACCEPTING PROJECT DONATIONS: Donations for the Windham basketball court renovations may be mailed to Maine Red Claws Foundation/Windham Courts, PO Box 15180, Portland, ME 04112. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.


• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...

NBA G League Stories from October 21, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Maine Celtics Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central