On Tuesday, July 14, over 100 children in Buffalo had the wonderful opportunity to gain some cool tips from Jamal Shead, a guard for the Toronto Raptors, at a free basketball camp focused on building skills, confidence, and connections.

The event took place at the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School and was organized by C.O.P.S.S. (Children Overcoming Police Stereotypes Through Sports). This organization leverages sports to build positive relationships between children and law enforcement. Officer Mo Badger of the Buffalo Police played a key role in coordinating the event, emphasizing the goal of creating opportunities for children while fostering positive relationships. 

Our NFTA Transit Police actively participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of community policing and kinship networks. "Engaging with the kids one-on-one makes a significant difference," said NFTA's Public Information Officer Kelly Khatib. "Having our officers here, playing with the kids… that's an experience they'll carry into their future." 

For the young players, the camp was a chance to learn from someone who has reached the pinnacle of the sport, with participating law enforcement demonstrating their commitment to supporting the community through positive interactions.