Bitty Ball encourages fun, exercise

By Editor | February 29, 2016 |

JESSICA ALLEN/DAILY FORUM
Students in kindergarten through second grade at St. Gregory’s School had the opportunity to show off their skills at a Bitty Ball scrimmage Saturday morning in front of family and friends. Each child who participated in the program received a t-shirt and basketball.

The gymnasium at St. Gregory’s School was filled with the sounds of bouncing balls and pounding feet Saturday.

The school wrapped up its fifth year of Bitty Ball, a five-week basketball clinic for kindergarten through second grade students.

“Bitty Ball began when a group of parents wanted an opportunity for kids to learn the basic fundamentals of basketball and an opportunity for exercise during the cold winter months,” said J.R. Kurz, coach and co-founder.

For the past five Saturdays, around 45 to 50 students have attended Bitty Ball, where they learned the essentials of basketball before scrimmaging for a crowd of family and friends.

Kurz said the goal of Bitty Ball is to give the students a fun outlet for physical activity.

“It takes a lot of time from parent volunteers,” said Kurz. “But we love seeing kids getting off the couch and up running around learning fundamentals and teamwork, and having fun.”