The tradition of Houston’s Fonde Recreation Center stands tall
A couple of hours before the finals of the Nike Houston Pro City Basketball League at The Fonde Rec Center kids and young athletes alike could be found on the court of Fonde. On one end of the historical court tennis shoes chirped with each drive to the basket as several kids spent their August afternoon playing basketball. Fonde Rec Center, named after long time Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Miss Corine Fonde, has long been known as a place for inner city youth to enjoy recreation and personal growth.
As the kids played on one end of the court, a young man named Ivory worked on his jump shot on the other end of the court. The sound from his dribbling of the basketball echoed through the gym as he suddenly stopped and swished another jumper with his instructor critiquing his mechanics. Ivory was working in the Fonde gym as part of his off-season effort to improve his already lightning fast quickness and his all-around skills.
Not an uncommon sight at this inner-city recreation center which is known for the athletes who spend time there putting in hard work and building towards their future. It’s a tradition that Fonde is well known for.
Another tradition that continues at Fonde is the aforementioned Nike Houston Pro City Basketball League started by Kenny Smith, Kevin Granger, and Kevin Allen. The league has become a popular place for up and coming basketball players to hone their skills against more established players; moreover, it is a place where youngsters can come and enjoy the game of basketball in a setting where it all began for many of the athletes who return to Fonde to give back into the lives of youth.
A kid getting a chance to watch top level athletes in a community gym setting is a chance many of them don’t often get and Granger remembers his playing days with today’s kids in the forefront of his mind. “I played basketball and have been around the game for years and this helps me stay around basketball,” said Kevin Granger, Director of Athletics at Texas Southern University. “But it’s about the kids and giving them opportunity.”
However, that opportunity is not limited to any particular age. Ivory is an example of how Fonde reaches beyond generations and into the actual heart of Houston. As a student he played high school football at C.E. King and Forest Brook High Schools before receiving a scholarship to Texas Tech. He later earned his way into the Arena Football League.
“I was a Freshman All-American at Texas Tech, ran a 4.29 (40-yard dash), and I was fourth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 28.7 yard average,” Ivory humbly explained.
Dealing with the passing of his mother was something Ivory found himself doing as a college athlete and he took the time to reflect on what his mom and other special people have meant to him as he developed into a professional athlete and an example to other youth. “Mom was a big inspiration for me,” he said. “And it is also nice to know as a mentor you can teach kids what you have learned and help them.” Obviously giving thanks for his blessings, and as a mentor, reflecting the very love of his mom in his passion for youth.
Just like Kevin Granger, Kevin Allen, Kenny Smith, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and others known for their contributions to the fine Fonde legacy, Ivory realizes that youth notice the example of hard work, care, humility, and dedication; all of which will one day stand as a pillars in their character.
Kevin Allen expressed his enjoyment of being involved the night of the championship game for the Nike Houston Pro City Basketball League; “This is the sixth year and it has gone by fast and to see where it is now – we are blessed.” Illustrating just the point that Ivory’s work ethic indicates; nothing happens overnight as everything is about what you put into it in order to succeed.
Sports is mainly about building character and that is the importance that athletes work to pass on to younger generations; something Ivory expressed when asked what his whole experience as an athlete has meant to him; “It is not always about being in the spotlight – it is about helping one another,”
