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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County health department offers opportunity for youth to attend ‘Teen Hoopz’ for free

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is offering parents and guardians an opportunity to enroll their children in an upcoming basketball league for free.

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will soon host “Teen Hoopz,” an organized recreational basketball league that is open to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. The league will focus on teamwork, leadership, and the value of sportsmanship, both on and off the court.

The recreational league will begin on Tuesday, February 28, and it will run through Thursday, April 6. The teen participants will be able to show off their basketball skills on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center, which is located at 1821 NW 21st Avenue in Ocala.

The City of Ocala is currently charging participants a $25 registration fee, though DOH-Marion is providing an opportunity for teens to take part in the league for free.

According to DOH-Marion, in order for teens to qualify for free enrollment in the “Teen Hoopz” basketball league, their parents or guardians must spend one hour with the local health department’s BRAZEN team.

BRAZEN is hosting a presentation for those parents and guardians with teenagers that will discuss a several topics such as mentoring, communication, and tips to build life skills. Those who are interested may choose to attend one of two sessions offered by BRAZEN:

  • Monday, February 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center (1821 NW 21st Avenue in Ocala).
  • Wednesday, February 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center (1821 NW 21st Avenue in Ocala).

For more information, or to attend BRAZEN’s event, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2687.