MONROE, N.C. — A local basketball coach told Channel 9 his job goes beyond calling plays on the court. Dale Similton also helps children navigate life’s challenges, like the coronavirus pandemic and the push for social justice.
Similton is in his 25th year of coaching his youth basketball camp at Central Church at Lake Park in Union County. Amid a mask mandate, social distancing and frequent cleaning, things look a little different this year.
“I think we’re in a tough situation now,” Similton told Channel 9.
Between warm-ups, drills and shooting practice, his court is also the figurative classroom for the young minds he helps mold. The subject matter these days surpasses typical sports talk and transcends into one about courage, confidence and character.
“I believe if you can change hearts, you can change minds -- and you have to catch them when they’re young,” Similton said.
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With a pandemic and an ongoing fight for social justice, it may be difficult to have those conversations with kids. But Similton is committed to leading by example, creating a safe space for the children he coaches.
He even wrote and recorded a song. It’s about loving and respecting yourself, so you can share that with others.
WATCH BELOW: ‘Wonderful Savior’ song written by Dale Similton
“During this time period, it’s easy to give up,” he said. “But I think that we can use our words to bless people, or we can curse people. And I’d rather use my words to bless people.”
Similton said his goal is to teach kids lessons on the court that they can then apply in the real world. He’s hoping by encouraging those young minds to put in the work now, we’ll see change for years to come.
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