Marion County Prosecutor hosts basketball camp to keep children out of trouble

INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears hopes sports can inspire young Hoosiers to stay away from crime and violence when they get older.

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Mears hosted his fourth annual basketball clinic Thursday at the Westside Elevation Community Center. Dozens of children between the ages of 8 and 12 learned basketball skills and got to know members of the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.

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Mears said he played basketball on the same court as a child when it was a Boys and Girls Club. He believes sports are one way to inspire children to seek out positive influences instead of ending up on his desk as a suspect later in life.

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"It's a start. You never know what's going to make a difference in one kid's life," Mears said. "Let's help build the skills, the confidence, and leadership, so that when that kid is faced with a bad situation, they have something to rely on."