VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Eliza Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps children with autism and their families, is starting up its Hope Stars Basketball League to allow children with autism to be part of a basketball team and play the sport.
The league is starting after the organization's successful soccer tournament during the 2020 fall season. It is open to all children of any age.
The foundation's founder, Aimee Darby, said the children, parents and volunteers enjoyed the soccer program and requested that basketball be incorporated.
“I don't think it's as much about the actual sport as it is about being in a community of people that are just like you,” Darby said. “Everybody wants to have some commonality in one another, and that's just we were able to provide."
There are still spots open, and registration can be done online, where more information can also be found. It is $90 to sign up. There is also the option to sponsor a child where the registration fee can be offset for a family.
The league begins Saturday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. and meets at the Great Neck Baptist Church Gymnasium, located at 1020 General Jackson Drive in Virginia Beach.
