NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — On August 15, the Remington Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle echoed with the rhythmic bounce of basketballs, not from a typical team try-out, but from a weeklong event organized by Klinic Kids. Founded by Kashif Hameed, the program integrates basketball with mental health support, physical wellness, and social-emotional learning.
Combining Sports and Mental Health
Klinic Kids is a unique initiative that uses basketball as a vehicle to engage youth and address their mental health needs. Established over two years ago, the program is now offered at schools and community centers across New York State. Hameed’s goal is to use sports to teach valuable life skills, including coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
“Basketball is the tool we use to connect with the kids,” Hameed explained. “Through the sport, we aim to impart skills that go beyond the court—skills that help with coping and personal growth.”
Daily Structure and Benefits
Each day of the program involves structured activities including check-ins with coaches, who are all former professional and collegiate athletes, visits from mental health counselors, and mentorship opportunities. This holistic approach helps participants develop both on and off the court.
According to reports, 94% of the participants felt that the clinics improved their performance and confidence in both academic and social settings. The program focuses not only on basketball skills but also on building self-esteem and social skills.
Impactful Moments and Community Engagement
A notable highlight of the week was a visit from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Delgado shared his personal experiences with basketball, emphasizing its role in shaping his life and inspiring the next generation of leaders. “No matter what’s going on in your world, you can always rely on the fact that love lives inside of you,” Delgado told the participants, aiming to motivate them and reinforce the program’s core values.
Looking Beyond the Court
While improving basketball skills is a key component of Klinic Kids, Hameed stresses that the real success lies in the life skills and mental health support provided. “Whether or not they continue with basketball, the skills they learn here will benefit them throughout their lives,” he said.
Klinic Kids stands as a testament to how sports can serve as a powerful platform for mental health advocacy and personal development, showing that community programs can successfully merge athletic training with essential life skills and emotional support.
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