Ladies First Akron

Yesterday was so much more than a basketball tournament.

The Forever 11 Shaylah Jones Mental Health Skills Clinic & 3-on-3 Scholarship Tournament was a day of healing, hope, community, and opportunity. We started the day watching young people learn the game they love, families come together, and our community honor Shaylah’s legacy by investing in the next generation.

On behalf of Ladies First Akron, thank you to every player, coach, volunteer, parent, donor, and supporter who made this event such a meaningful success. Your presence reminded us that when a community comes together with purpose, incredible things happen.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors and community partners:

💙 Akron NAACP — Thank you for believing in our vision and standing beside us as we continue creating safe spaces where young people can grow both on and off the court.

💙 Judi Hill — Your generosity, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to our youth helped make this event possible. We are truly grateful.

💙 Walmart — Thank you for investing in our community and helping us provide an unforgettable experience for the children and families we serve.

A special thank you to the outstanding leaders who poured into our participants:

🏈 Former NFL player Johnny Adams — Thank you for facilitating our Men’s Mental Health Session and sharing powerful insights on strength, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing mental wellness.

💜 Coach Diamond and Coach Taylor — Thank you for leading our Women’s Mental Health Session, creating a safe space for honest conversations, encouragement, healing, and empowerment.

🎧 DJ B Nyce — Thank you for keeping the energy high all day long. Your music created the perfect atmosphere and helped make this celebration one our community will never forget.

Because of each of you, this event became much more than basketball. Together, we turned a day of competition into a day of connection, healing, mentorship, and hope.

Shaylah’s light continues to shine through every smile, every basket, every conversation, and every life touched.

Thank you elected officials: Mark Greer Summer Hall and City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office for your contributions.

Thank you, Akron, for showing what community looks like when we choose to stand together.

Shoutout to the 3 on 3 Champions of the girls division and boys Division.

Forever 11. Forever Remembered. Forever Inspiring. 💙🕊️

Photos from Forever 11 💙💙

Charitable 3 on 3 tournament honoring the legacy of Shaylah Jones!! Free Skills Clinic before the 3 on 3

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZh8yPHCcm7/?igsh=MTRtZnViOGZ6c3ppMw==

FILL OUT THE GOOGLE DOC DOWN BELOW TO BE ABLE TO PLAY TGE DEADLINE IS JULY 12! FOREVER 11!💙💙 #trend #basketball #tournament #fundraiser @whoodaaaa.22 @zayrellmac @330.shae_1 @akroncoach_jojo @4ever11_shaymom @flics.by.scoot @ladiesfirstakron @trainingsbyjada

In order to carry on the legacy of the “Legend” Shaylah Jones. We will be expanding our youth mental health clinic and adding a 3 on 3 tournament with a boys and girls division. We will still have our Free Camp/Skills Clinic before the 3 on 3, open to the first 35 boys and girls who register grades 3-5. Saturday Aug 1st at Ed Davis Community Center.

More info coming soon!!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZh8yPHCcm7/?igsh=MTRtZnViOGZ6c3ppMw==

FILL OUT THE GOOGLE DOC DOWN BELOW TO BE ABLE TO PLAY TGE DEADLINE IS JULY 12! FOREVER 11!💙💙 #trend #basketball #tournament #fundraiser @whoodaaaa.22 @zayrellmac @330.shae_1 @akroncoach_jojo @4ever11_shaymom @flics.by.scoot @ladiesfirstakron @trainingsbyjada

Congratulations to our 6th grade group for finishing their spring with a victory. They’ve all improved on AND off the court that’s the reason we do it. Till next time✌🏿 📚🏀❤️🖤❤️🖤

The Success rate of our program continues to set the standard. Major shoutout and congratulations to Lanae Riley for being pinned at the The University of Akron college of Nursing ceremony yesterday! Sports bring us together but it’s the lessons in between that define our greatness!! 🖤❤️

Never abandon the basic fundamentals they transfer to all areas of life. Week 1 of our project based learning experience. The girls are active researchers working in teams, creating their own definitions and learning WITH each other and the instructors. Our founder Kenny Jo-Jo Smith is a certified teacher and leads this process with Kent State University and students from the college of Education.

We will be seeking community partners for interviews and participation very soon!!

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