By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

Lowndes County public schools are partnering with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to host the Lowndes County Upward Sports Program.
The program will last from Aug. 7 through Oct. 30 with an awards ceremony for all the children and volunteers at the end of the 12 week program. This will be the first time the program has been held in Lowndes County.
The program was started to spread the news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to children and to create opportunities for other people to serve through sports, according to League Director Sylvester Hardy.
“The purpose of the program is to encourage churches within our communities to partner and play a more pivotal role in the nurturing of our children and families within our communities,” said Hardy. “It is our prayer that this program will be able to create oneness and unity in our churches that will produce servants of Christ to people.”
Students in grades K-5 through 6th get to play basketball, soccer, flag football and cheerleading.
All children participating in the program will be required to pay a registration fee cover the cost of uniforms. Payment must be made by check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.
Garth Lindsey, the Regional Representative for Upward Sports in the Alabama and Mississippi regions, will conduct an overview presentation of the program and offer with a question and answer session June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Little Union Christian Church located at 500 Pine St. in Hayneville.
The forum is a base for people interested in volunteering to be basketball and cheerleading coaches, coaches assistants and referees. Registration forms for basketball and cheerleading can be picked up during the session.
Many pastors, church member, youth leaders, community leaders and volunteers are scheduled to attend the event and may do so at no cost.
Anyone interested in learning more information about the program can visit .

Gymnasiums in Mosses, Hayneville and Ft. Deposit will be used simultaneously during the evaluation dates.

Upward Sports evaluation dates:
August 7    9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
August 9    6-8 p.m.

Upward Sports practice dates:
August 17    6-7:30 p.m.
August 19    6-7:30 p.m.
August 24    6-7:30 p.m.
August 26    6-7:30 p.m.
August 30    6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 2    6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9    6-7:30 p.m.
Sept.    16    6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23    6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30    6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7        6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14    6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21    6-7:30 p.m.

Game dates (times TBD):
Sept. 4, Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23,
The Sports Banquet will be held on Oct. 30.