x
Breaking News
More () »

Macon-Bibb fire captain helps keep kids active over Thanksgiving break

Fire Captain Kelvin D. Watson volunteers at the L.H Williams Recreation Center to help keep kids active while they are out of school.

MACON, Ga. — When Macon-Bibb fire captain Kelvin D. Watson got the call years ago to help keep kids on the court for Thanksgiving break, he didn't think twice.

"For the last six years we've noticed that in our community, especially Macon- Bibb County, during the summer time [and] the holiday times [that] kids mostly between seven and 15 have been getting in a lot of trouble during the day," Watson said. 

So, to fight that fire, he volunteers at the L.H. Williams Recreation Center.

"What we're doing here is keeping them out of the house, keeping them up with their daily routine because, you think about it, at this time of day, they're in school, being active, doing something," Watson said.

Watson says, while they learn basketball skills, they also get to learn social skills.

"It kinda takes them away from social media. For the next two hours, they're not texting," he said.

The basketball practices also helps keep the kids' momentum up, so they don't face a penalty come Monday.

"Next week when they go back to school, they won't be sluggish and feel like they have to hit a reset button and start over," Watson said.

There's no set schedule for Thanksgiving break on when they will hold the basketball practices, but the local basketball coaches do well coordinating them. 

The L.H Williams  Recreation Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MORE FROM JUNIOR JOURNALISTS

Mercer Law School commemorates 100 years of the 19th Amendment

Students at Howard High learn how to tackle current events

STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive breaking news and weather alerts. You can find the app on the Apple Store and Google Play.

STAY UPDATEDClick here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.

Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.

Before You Leave, Check This Out