United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ALBANY, N.Y. – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division, Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan and District Attorney P. David Soares announced today that the “Court Vision Academy” program is kicking off in Albany. At a press conference held at the Tony Clement Center for Education (TCCE), DA Soares, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Zon, NY/NJ HIDTA Director Chauncey Parker, City School District of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams, the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Trent Stokes Head Coach, and Derrick Bryant Assistant Coach joined together to kick off the start of a 19-week basketball program providing youth with high-quality athletic training and life skills. 

“Court Vision Academy” is a program designed to give kids and teenagers a safe place to go on weekend nights to participate in positive and productive activities, as part of a larger-scale effort to combat crime and promote public safety. The program is free for all participants. This year’s program will take place on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the TCCE and is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 17 years.

On Friday and Saturday nights, when the risk for juvenile crime and juvenile crime victimization are at their highest, the “Court Vision Academy” program opens its doors to kids who are in need of a safe, supervised, and healthy outlet. A true collaboration between law enforcement, local schools, and the community, the program provides kids with free, high-quality sports training and positive interactions with members of the DEA, the DA’s Office, and the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

“Our investigations open doors to safer streets through enforcement and prevention,” commented DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond P. Donovan. “DEA’s primary mission is to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and seizing what they value most--their assets. In turn, drug proceeds are ultimately used for programs in betterment to our communities and to pursue future drug investigations. Keeping the streets safe is our priority, and we applaud HIDTA for their efforts in the Court Vision Academy program.”

Using money the DEA receives from the NY/NJ HIDTA, a federal grant program that invests in law enforcement partnerships to build safe and healthy communities, “Court Vision Academy” will infuse academic leadership and skilled basketball instruction. The program focuses on the game of basketball as the motivator to get youth engaged in the program, with instructors offering classroom instruction to round out each session. During these classroom sessions, inspirational leaders within the community provide participating youth with life lessons and leadership skills that they could carry with them throughout their lives.

Coaches and staff interact with the kids in a fun atmosphere and are also able to speak with them about the dangers of drugs, gangs and violence. The program staff works closely with participating youth to assist them in finding a positive and successful path in life.

“Our goal is to create a healthy and safe mentoring and learning opportunity for youth and adults in our community at times when they would otherwise be in their homes, feeling they have no place to go. Starting here with Court Vison Academy, we hope these opportunities can continue and ultimately expand our reach to youth and adults in neighboring communities,” commented Albany County DA David Soares

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