Plano, TX: Dreams deferred are not dreams denied as proven yesterday, when three years of fundraising came to fruition with the grand opening of DreamCourt™ at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids – Polk Alternative Education Center. DreamCourts are top-quality, multipurpose play spaces built in lower-income communities to promote fitness and fun, thanks to a collaboration among WorldVentures Foundation™, Nancy Lieberman Charities and Sport Court®. Local dignitaries, event sponsors and community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held from 4 to 6 p.m.
“As the second-largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids has the distinction of being one of the nation’s best places to live. But we know big cities often house big challenges for children. We’re humbled to help provide a safe place for area children to play and grow socially so they can compete on every level,” said Gwyneth Lloyd, executive director of WorldVentures Foundation.
WorldVentures Foundation is a dedicated, national partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and leads Volunteer Days at clubs throughout North America. Eddie Head, president of WorldVentures, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Cedar Rapids opening, unveiling a two-hoop, 35-by-65-foot DreamCourt with Sport Court’s SportGame high-performance safety surface and bright blue and orange accents. Of 21 DreamCourts built to date, 13 are located at Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.
“We are honored and thrilled to be a recipient of a new basketball court through the Nancy Lieberman Foundation and World Ventures Foundation,” said John Tursi, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids. “Our kids will be able to use this beautiful, new court for many years.”
Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nancy Lieberman, founder and chairwoman of Nancy Lieberman Charities, was unable to attend due to her obligations as assistant coach of the Sacramento Kings, but she shared her sentiments with the audience through a letter read by Lloyd.
“I am living the dream that every one of the kids who will play on this court will have one day. I’m proud to be in Sacramento making history as only the second woman to coach in the NBA. But history doesn’t mean anything unless we open the doors for others to fulfill a dream.”
About WorldVentures Foundation
Launched in 2010, WorldVentures Foundation is the philanthropic arm of WorldVentures Holdings and focuses on positive change in the lives of children. WorldVentures’ Independent Representatives and DreamTrips™ Members—the volunteers and driving force behind the Foundation’s Service Excursions, VolunTours, DreamCourts and global initiatives—provide inspiration when they serve and implement sustainable economic and environmental solutions within communities around the world. www.wvfoundation.org
About Nancy Lieberman Foundation
Founded in 1989, Nancy Lieberman Foundation’s mission is to provide a healthy physical, emotional and mental environment for young girls and boys to build their self-esteem and confidence so they will be able to make the right choices in the future. The foundation’s vision is to be the catalyst for the development of young girls and boys throughout the country by using basketball as a motivational tool. www.nancyliebermanfoundation.com
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids
For more than 20 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids has been at the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances throughout Linn County. The Club is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which works to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities to become responsible citizens and leaders. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids serves an average of 300 young people daily at five locations. www.bgccr.org
