Meet Bosco

7 years ago, Bosco (in orange below) lived with his family in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  But the world’s deadliest conflict, since World War II sent them to refugee camps in Rwanda.  There, he lived 5 tents away from his best friend Chance.  They played soccer together nearly every day.  Four months ago, Bosco and his family traveled by plane to Los Angeles.  Today, they live as settled (actually settl-ING) refugees in my neighborhood.  Chance lives here too.  Instead of soccer, they are now learning basketball, on my Junior Varsity squad.

At try-outs, we talked.

“I am so glad you are here Bosco.”

“When do we get the short pants?”

“You don’t have any?”

“No coach.”

“We will get some practice uniforms.  For now, just play in your pants.  I’d like to see if you can play.”

On a ride home last week, we sort of conversed,

“These Christmas lights are beautiful, huh Bosco?”

“I really love basket-bol coach.”
“I’m really glad you do, Bosco.”

Today, Bosco and Chance approached me after practice.

“Hey coach, we want to practice the shooting at the park.  We need a ball.”

“Here take this one.  It’s mine.  Don’t lose it.”

Bosco is why I coach.  

Through basketball I get the opportunity to teach life lessons.  This year, Bosco and Chance will learn the value of hard work, the need to push through adversity and the meaning of commitment.  

But I also get the chance to be parental and mentor-ish to these guys.   It’s rare to see parents cheering on their sons.  Many of them have to work.  I get to be there every game.  Before (and sometimes after) competitions, we end up feeding these growing boys.  In this picture, Bosco and his teammate Labon are devouring 5-layer PB and J sandwiches.  We use UrbanLife gas and vans to transport them around the city for games, as the district places this burden on parents.  I teach them to tie ties and to wear them with class.  And I give them “the business” when they aren’t treating girls right. 

Bosco is learning more than anyone that I know right now.   Along with the high post offense, he is learning how to navigate American public schools and to find neighborhood resources for his family.  He needs friends like us along the way. 

Today, you can play a role in seeing Bocso, Chance, and his other teammates thrive.   There are multiple entry points. 

You can tutoring a player one afternoon a week. 

You can be a mentoring adult friend, journeying with a newly re-settled family. 

Or you could give money for the basics

·      $70 fills the tank of an UrbanLife van

·      $50 gives one of the players legitimate basketball shoes.

·      $40 feeds the team with PB and J/ fruit after a game.

·      $30 Gives Bosco and Chance their own basketball.

·      $20 gets Bosco his first set of basketball shorts.

It’s easy to give, click HERE.   You will have an opportunity to designate your giving.

Whatever you decide, follow this team as a fan of Crawford Colt Basketball.   Our scores and schedule are HERE.  Plus, I post scores and pictures on my personal Instagram account: @justinmarc.