Former UCLA basketball star Ann Meyers Drysdale has been named Chair of the innovative “Hoops for Youth” program, which enables underprivileged children to attend UCLA basketball games at historic Pauley Pavilion.
Meyers Drysdale was a member of the Bruins’ 1978 women’s national championship team. In 1993, she was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“UCLA basketball is in my blood. I know how magical it is to be part of the tradition of UCLA basketball and I want others to have the opportunity to experience that tradition first-hand as well,” she said.
Hoops For Youth is entering its second year and is run by the Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation in partnership with the UCLA Athletic Department.
The program is funded through tax-deductible contributions from both individuals and corporations. Each $25 donation to the Sports Council Foundation will enable a youngster to attend a game; UCLA Athletics will distribute the tickets to youth groups affiliated with its athletic department. (Pursuant to NCAA recruiting requirements, tickets will be made available only to youth in the 6th grade or below.)
New for the 2016-17 season, the program is expanding to include both UCLA men’s and women’s basketball games.
“For most of these kids it will be their first opportunity to see a college basketball game in person or to set foot on the UCLA campus,” said UCLA Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero.
Anyone interested in contributing to Hoops for Youth can call (213) 482-6333.
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