This Page Updated September 3, 2010

Great American Basketball League

 

GABL Basketball Academy

 

Community Outreach Program

 

13th Annual Sonic GABL Golf Classic

 

In May 2009, the GABL Board of Directors approved changing the name of the 501-(c)3 corporation Great American Basketball League, Inc. to the GABL Youth Sports Foundation, Inc. The various changes to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were approved in June.

 

The primary reasons for the restructuring were as follows:

  • To allow for a more integrated approach to fundraising and resource development; and

  • To position the GABL entity to make a larger impact on the development of our youth through sports, and provide opportunities for a broader outreach of our programs.

A volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the Foundation. The Board currently has 11 members, including a president and secretary-treasurer (2010-11 Board Members-click here).

 

Sports Management Associates (SMA) provides the management and administration of the Foundation and its programs. Also included are:

  • GABL Properties -a program to generate ancillary revenue through corporate partner relationships, merchandise and licensing.

  • GABL Development-established to enhance fundraising initiatives in the form of special events and activities, such as the GABL Golf Classic.

 

Mission Statement

To serve youth by establishing and supporting opportunities through sports that will make a positive lifelong impact on their physical,  social and mental development.

 

Principle Areas of Focus

 

The Foundation will focus on the following areas in youth sports:

  • Improving access....through scholarships, operational and facility-related grants, and cooperative programs with communities and other non-profits.
     

  • Enhancing the experience of participants....through educational programs for coaches, parents and officials, sportsmanship initiatives, and internet-based training services.
     

  • Creating community partnerships....through collaborative efforts with school districts and organizations, municipal and county governments and other non-profit groups.
     

  • Improving individual and team skills....through camps, clinics, individual instruction, elite team play and audio/visual services.
     

  • Providing balanced competition opportunities....through programs that serve a variety of skill levels and group those with comparable skills in competitive situations.

 

Current program initiatives of the Foundation are:

 

Great American Basketball League (GABL)

 

GABL, the flagship program of the Foundation, is in its 36th year of operation providing leagues in winter, spring, fall and summer; tournaments, and special events for youth in Kindergarten through high school.

 

GABL Basketball Academy

 

The Academy is the Foundation's primary initiative for basketball skill development, fitness and health programs for youth. (more)

 

Community Outreach Program

 

This program is designed to reach out to the community to generate funding, develop partnerships and new program opportunities, and inform the public and inform the public about the work of the Foundation.  Programs include:

 

Scholarship Program-designed to provide financial assistance to those wanting to participate in GABL programs. Over the last 10 years, more than 800 scholarships totaling $77,500 have been given out.

 

 Click Here for the 2010-11 scholarship request form.
 

Honors Program-launched in 2003-04 to expand the GABL awards program, it  promotes an attitude of sportsmanship and awareness of the value of athletics, and recognizes individuals who support these ideals. (more)

 

Hoops 4 Hope Alliance-a collaborative effort with Hoops 4 Hope to provide finding from select GABL events to the American Cancer Society.

 

Food Drive Program-working with a local Boy Scout troop, this is an annual food drive during the winter basketball season to support the Johnson County Food Bank. A donation of 1,224.5 lbs. of food was made from the 2009-10 drive.

 

13th Annual Sonic GABL Golf Classic
presented by Unisource Documents Products

 

A total of 113 players participated in the 2010 Sonic GABL Classic, one of the largest field’s in tournament history. The tournament was held at Swope Memorial Golf Course. The event raised $6,600 to help support current Foundation programs such as the Sonic GABL Scholarship Program and new initiatives that are in the planning stages for 2010-11.

The team of Ross Vogel, Drew Berst and Dylan Mayor won the championship flight with a score of 50. Gary Laskowski and Bryan David teamed to finish first in the A Flight.

                            
             Ross Vogel, Drew Berst and Dylan Mayor                A Flight champions Gary Laskowski
             took first place in the championship flight             and Bryan David


Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors
 

Title Sponsor-Briley Sonic Group
Presenting Sponsor-Unisource Document Products
Champion Sponsors-O'Dell Group/Realty Executives of KC, Sports Management Associates
All-Star Sponsors-Bliss Associates, LLC; callthegame, KC Sport Speed
Registration Table/Drink Carts Sponsor-US Bank
Photographs-Select Photo-Graphics
Hole-in-One Sponsor-Summit America Insurance Services
"Taste of Kansas City" Sponsors-Texas Roadhouse, Zest, Executive Catering, Pizza Shoppe, Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard, Smokin' Joe's Bar-B-Q, Margarita's, Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pasta's
Bottled Water and Sports Drink-PepsiAmericas
Awards-Hasty Awards
Prizes and Player Gifts-Dick's Sporting Goods, Hunter Family Vision, State Farm Insurance-Don Swanson
Miscellaneous Donations-J&J Printing, Tom Stein, Jeff Briley
 

2010 Participant Comments

"Enjoyed the golf tournament thoroughly.  The course and Foundation staffs were very hospitable and exemplified the level of commitment it takes to manage such an event.  Everything from the player gifts to the auction and food was top notch.  We were able to make some great business connections as well.  Great job GABL Youth Sports Foundation!!"

                                                     Aaron Koelzer, Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation

 "I enjoy this tournament each time I play in it. I trust the GABL Youth Sports Foundation to put on a first-class event and know that the proceeds will be used to fund excellent programs."

                                                Larry House, Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association

“The GABL Golf Classic is truly an outstanding event.  It offers our company the opportunity to give back to our community and entertain clients and employees while competing in an incredibly well organized event.  In addition, when you factor in the prizes, food and beverages, and participant gifts the GABL Golf Classic is easily the best value in the city compared to similar golf events.  This is our third year participating and we will undoubtedly be back for a fourth next year.”
                                                            
                                                Drew Berst, DLR Group
 

Join us at Swope Park Memorial Golf Course Monday, June 20, 2011
 

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Great American Basketball League

6740 Antioch, Suite 250
Merriam, KS  66204
Phone: 913/236-8833   Fax: 913/236-9188
Inclement Weather/League Information Line: 913/643-3228

Managed by Sports Management Associates

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