Upward basketball, cheer ready to start

After a year of reorganizing and recruiting, Upward Basketball and Cheerleading announced registration information for the 2010-11 season.

League organizers plans to host three registration/evaluation events. All participants must attend one of the sessions to be sized for their uniform and to be evaluated as to skill level.

Sessions are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 4 at the Kootenai Valley Christian School gym in Libby from 6-8 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 7 at Three Lakes Community Bible Church in Troy from 6:30-8 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Kootenai Valley Christian School gym in Libby from 9-11 a.m.

Early registration fees, including a uniform, are $35 for basketball and $45 for cheerleading. After Oct. 9, registration fees will increase by $10. A third child plus any additional children in the same family will receive a $10 discount on registration fees.

Upward Sports also offers free sponsorships to any child whose parent or legal guardian is currently deployed overseas and away from home.

Upward emphasizes healthy competition, sportsmanship, skills building and fun versus a “win-at-all costs” mentality. Upward features equal teams, equal playing time and postgame awards while emphasizing character and self-esteem development.

The Libby Upward league will be in its seventh year and offers basketball and cheerleading to boys and girls from Libby and Troy in grades 1-8. Following registration, teams will be formed and practices begin the week of Nov. 29. Participants will have a one-hour practice during the week and a one-hour game on Saturdays. The season features seven games and will end Feb. 9.

For more information, call 293-2303.