People in Hamilton were taking a stand against violence today. In a year of unprecedented shootings in the city’s streets, an event in east Hamilton aimed at turning young people away from violence.
It’s called Rise Up, Uniting Against Violence in our Communities. It started as the organizer dealt with the grief of losing her friends to the kind of violence we’ve been seeing lately.
In a year with at least 40 shootings in Hamilton in the first 7 months, Rise Up is aimed at giving young people an alternative to street violence.
Organizer Yougeeta Hansraj faced her own tragedy of the death of two close friends. Now, for the third year in a row, she’s fighting that kind of violence.
Hansraj said, “At the end of the day, the next generation, as you can see the young kids here, they’re the next generation, and they’re the ones we need to be here for as a positive role model.”
In this case, the positive role model comes through basketball, including this day of competitions, an All-Star game, and coaching for young people.
Coach Ryan Craven said, “It keeps them focused on things that are more positive. In a team environment, in an athletic environment, it allows you to focus your mind on things other than stuff that’s going to get you in trouble.”
The young players say this day brings them together around a sport they love.