Boys & Girls Club Members Enjoy RCC Basketball Courtesy of Nestle

Nestle USA is making a way for members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside to attend local college basketball games for free. About two dozen Club members, along with staff members and parents, went to Riverside City College’s women’s and men’s games Feb. 9 against Cypress College. Nestle USA is sponsoring Boys & Girls Clubs Game Nights at RCC. Club members also attended games on two nights in December. “It was cool seeing them play, I usually see basketball on TV,” said Solomon Moore, age 10. It was his first time watching college basketball games in person. “It is always a pleasure to be able to host the Boys and Girls Clubs, to show them the value of education through athletics,” said men’s head coach Philip Mathews. “Along with Nestle, who is the sponsor of these game nights, Riverside City College looks forward to continuing the relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs for many years to come.” Women’s head coach Alicia Berber said the opportunity for local youth to attend games “is important for so many reasons.” “Both our student athletes and the kids benefit by witnessing the community coming together as a ‘TEAM’ and creating a positive environment,” she Coach Berber. “[These events] will have an impact on their self-esteem, creating positive social connections, and also creating a competitive spirit for all involved. These three components will be valuable to everyone for a lifetime. Giving back, in my opinion, is a key motivator in my life and it started by opportunities through sports, school, church, and other groups that were made available to me as a child.” Nestle and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have a three-year national partnership to promote youth fitness. “We appreciate the support of Nestle and RCC in allowing our kids to enjoy collegiate sports and a way to live an active life,” said Club vice president Mark Davis.