Culver City Observer -

As part of their commitment to the greater Los Angeles community, the L.A. Sports Council Foundation and UCLA Athletics have partnered to launch “Hoops for Youth,” a program designed to annually send hundreds of economically disadvantaged children to Bruin men’s basketball games at historic Pauley Pavilion.

The program is funded through tax-deductible contributions from both individuals and corporations. Each $25 donation to the L.A. Sports Council Foundation will enable a child to attend a game; UCLA Athletics will distribute the tickets to youth groups affiliated with its athletic department.

“For many of these young individuals, this will be their first-ever opportunity to see a college basketball game in person,” said UCLA Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero. “At the same time, it may also very well be their first chance to visit the UCLA campus – an experience that will hopefully inspire them to pursue a college education.”

Anyone interested in contributing to Hoops for Youth can call (213) 482-6333.

Hoops for Youth is modeled after and replaces the Sports Council’s longtime “Touchdown for Youth” program, which ran for 19 years in conjunction with USC football.

Over the life of that program, more than 48,000 young people attended football games at the Coliseum and enjoyed a glimpse of what sports and university life can offer.