Have you ever tried to shoot a flat basketball? I have, and it can be quite deflating! We have over 70 elementary-aged children who come through CIA's after school program, and over 200 that come to C.I.A. during the summer to play,in an organized atmosphere, all of which at some point find themselves with a ball in hand. Sports has been used as a vehicle to reach local children, so we can build relationships and teach them about character, excellence, and teamwork. Of course we have fun, play games, and compete, but it is much more than that. We strive to bring children together, in a positive environment, that many don't have access to. Sports is a phenomenal teaching tool to show children how to work together, show good character, and demonstrate discipline. When we look at equipment that has been so frequently used, it makes us smile. Not because of the tattered condition of the footballs, basketballs, and soccer balls, it's because of the actions that resulted in our equipment's condition. Each one of these children, has run, laughed, and played together as a result of this equipment. Countless passes have been caught, shots have been made, goals have been scored, and smiles have been shared. If our equipment could talk, it would have quite a story to tell. A story of adventure, growth, and teamwork. One that shows children running, playing, and exercising. It would be a story of camaraderie, where children from all different backgrounds come together to compete, win, and have fun, TOGETHER.