Rotaries help Boys & Girls Club hoops project

MILFORD — A new basketball court has become a reality for almost 700 young members of the Boys and Girls Club of Milford with the support of the Rotary Clubs of Devon and Milford.

The new outdoor court, with two hoops and painted lines, is located behind the club’s main facility at 59 Devonshire Road in the Devon section of the city.

It is available for use by all the youngsters who participate in the club during the school year, as well as those who take part in the club’s summer program.

The total cost of the project was approximately $5,000 and was financed through a $2,500 grant from the Rotary International Foundation, with the remaining $2,500 being split equally by the two local clubs, members said.

Prior to the installation of the new court, the club only had one used hoop and no real court to play on.

“Our mission is to provide young people, especially those who need us most, with the opportunity to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens,” said Megan Altomare, the Boys and Girls Club executive director. “The new court will contribute greatly to that mission. We are grateful to both Rotary clubs for this donation.”

Erika Shea and Gary Opin were presidents of their respective clubs when funding for this project was secured.

“The Devon and Milford Rotary Clubs have had a long and supportive relationship with the Boys and

Girls Club of Milford,” noted Shea, of the Devon club. “The mission of the Club is mirrors that of Rotary, which is to provide service to our communities.”

Opin, of the Milford club, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to partner with our fellow Rotarians in this project. It is our hope that the new court will provide the Boys and Girls Club members with years of fun and pleasure.”

The Rotary clubs of Devon and Milford are comprised of business professionals who volunteer their time to raise funds and perform community service. The club is one of the more than 34,000 Rotary clubs worldwide, with a total global membership of 1.2 million.