Pickup The Ball Gives Youth Chance to Slam Dunk Their Future

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Pickup the Ball, Inc., a Fort Myers-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Ted Sottong, empowers young adults, reached through the game of pickup basketball in the Dunbar and east Fort Myers areas, to transform themselves and their communities.

The mission of Pickup the Ball is to meet young adults at pickup basketball courts, connect them with mentors, teach them life skills, and inspire them to own the transformation of their communities. Participants in the organization become “Teammates” and commit to improving themselves and their community, taking part in community service, helping out with fundraising events, building healthy and meaningful relationships, and holding themselves to a higher standard.

After co-founding the architecture firm Studio+ and spending 24 years in the architecture industry, Sottong felt called to leave his profession and address issues within the community that are often overlooked.

“We’re not just coming in and fixing the problem or filling a void. Our goal is to guide young people to pick up the ball and fill the void themselves,” said Sottong. “When that passion to transform and improve oneself comes from within, it’s more effective in making a difference that lasts.”

Having already built many relationships through the initiative thus far, Pickup the Ball has rolled out additional programs to provide tools for these young adults to become successful.

TEAMwork is a program that trains, employs, assists, and mentors young men and women in becoming employed and achieving long-term success in their positions through encouragement and guidance.

Teammates also have an opportunity to apply and participate in the Tony J. Bridley Leadership Course, a year-round intensive course that focuses on life skills, social issues and assisting young adults in setting a higher standards for themselves and their communities. Topics include finances, personal skills, higher education, interpersonal relationships, and community/police relations.

Other programs include Sixth Man In and Higher Goals. Sixth Man In is a mentoring program for those who want to be more involved. Higher Goals educates coaches, families and players about how to continue education through athletics after high school.