- April 5, 2025
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Volunteer coach Cedric Canley shows Madison Landon how to pass the basketball. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Joshua Blow passes a basketball with a partner to build ball passing skills.
Kensley Noel, a sophomore at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
All the children and volunteer coaches join hands and pray together after every practice.
Aniah Guarino
Leah Simpson, a freshman at Flagler Palm Coast High School, participates in warm up exercises.
Ava Guarino picks up the pace and launches the basketball to her partner.
“It is a wonderful program. Every week my kids count down the days until Saturday’s program.” –Susan Guarino
The Bridge Building program, a non-profit organization, was founded by Michael Steward, in 2009, to help children develop academic and athletic skills. The students practice together with basketballs and build important teambuilding skills. The program was set into place when Steward recognized Flagler County’s lack of a children’s recreational center.
“After the kids finish their homework, on a Saturday afternoon, they have no place to go,” Founder Michael Steward said. “This program keeps kids out of trouble while helping to strengthen their social, academic and leadership skills.”
Every Saturday the children are grouped together based on their athletic skill level. At each program they practice different skill sets such as dribbling, shooting baskets and passing the ball, all with the guidance from the volunteer coaches.
“The program has helped my self-confidence, make the FPC junior varsity basketball team and has encouraged me to do my very best,” Gregory Harrison, a sophomore at Flagler Palm Coast High School, said. “I also see the impact the program has made on my friends. They work harder, get better and become a better person.”
To help support the Bridge Building Program visit bridgebuildingprogram.org.
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