Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
IE Invaders
INLAND EMPIRE, CA- Many have thought the American Basketball Association (ABA) was long gone after the merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) back in 1976 and that was true up until 1999 when they re-emerged and took the basketball world by storm once again. With nearly 90 teams to date the ABA has rebuilt a strong brand and they have continued to grow at a rapid pace. Outgoing President of The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce and now owner, Ms. Christy Lancaster didn’t know much about the ABA but thought it would be a great business venture and create many opportunities for the Inland Empire so she said “Why Not?”
Ms. Lancaster was quoted saying “This has been the best experience for me. Being able to see the eyes of so many children light up when they see a Professional Ball Player show up at their school is priceless.” The team has been extremely active in the community with outreach to local schools and grand openings since the establishment of the team including National Walk to School day which they participated in with Castle View Elementary along with Mayor Rusty Bailey and a grand re-opening of Canyon Crest Athletic Club which happens to be a Championship sponsor to the team this 2013-2014 season. Their first game is scheduled for November 9 at 7 p.m. Games will be played at Riverside City College (Wheelock Gym). They have dedicated the first game to stopping violence in our community and the Invader Girlz have been working on a special dedication in memory of Treyvon Martin and many other lost to this senseless cause . If you have lost a loved one due to violence under 18 please email clancaster@abaieinvaders.com so they can add their name to their program so they can recognize them as well. Names and Ages must be received by November 5 by 5 p.m. Please visit our www.abaieinvaders.com for more information.
