Greencastle Youth Basketball program sign-up ends Nov. 1

The Nov. 1 deadline to register for the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Basketball Program is fast approaching.

The 2013-14 Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Basketball Program, conducted with the support of the Greencastle Community School Corporation, is about to begin.

The past two seasons have provided a wake-up call, park officials admit, so they have made some changes to the youth basketball program.

They have introduced a two-week skills-building clinic and player evaluation period at the beginning of the season before assigning teams and game officials. It begins with the kindergarten "My First Shot" program, while still concentrating on the basketball program's four major goals.

The program targets young players (boys and girls) of diverse skill levels who attend Greencastle schools in grades 1-6.

The Youth Basketball Program will provide instruction on how to play and improve the basic fundamental skills of basketball, while promoting four primary objectives:

-- Instructing proper fundamental skills.

-- Promoting the value of teamwork.

-- Displaying good sportsmanship and fair play.

-- All of the above while having fun at practices and games.

In addition, the park program has partnered with the Jr. Pacers Program again this season. Not only will each player have the Indiana Pacers logo printed on his or her uniform T-shirt, but each player also will receive a ticket to attend an Indiana Pacers professional basketball game.

Those who register by Nov. 1 will receive a chance to win an autographed basketball signed by not one but two Indiana Pacers, Solomon Hill and C. J. Watson.

The program is organized by the City of Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department and its Youth Basketball Board with the support of the Greencastle Community School Corporation.

Registration forms are available at Greencastle City Hall, the Putnam County Museum, the Putnam County Public Library, Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry and on-line at www.cityof-greencastle.com.