Peter Cox is a firm believer in the notion that something as simple as sports can be utilized to teach life lessons, heal wounds, and build unity in communities besieged by violence and vice. That’s why he and other members of the Coolspring Civic Association organized the “Life, Love and Basketball Camp”.
On Saturday, June 5 at Mariner Middle School in Milton, youngsters from various communities came together to refine their social skills as well as improve their basketball skills. The event featured fundamental drills, scrimmages and a heartfelt address by Cox.
“Our theme is unity in the community,” said the CCA vice president who decried the alarming violence involving young people sparked by disunity, drugs and turf rivalries. “We didn’t have that when we were growing up because we learned to get along (in part) by playing together.”
While Cox acknowledged that the youth of this generation often face difficult challenges, he also stressed the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. “It all comes down to choices. You can make good choices or you can make bad choices,” explained Cox. “And we all know that there are consequences for our actions.”
According to Cox, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” Many of the issues and challenges confronting this generation were faced by he and the other organizers decades earlier. According to Cox, the choices one makes will define his or her destiny.
For him, the goal is simple. Cox wants to promote healthy minds and bodies and make a positive impact on the lives of young people so they can live free of violence and vice. Basketball just happens to be the tool he uses to build his dream.
