On Wednesday, December 8th, Senator John C. Velis organized and played in a basketball game against Holyoke High Schoolers at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke. After months of Senator Velis trash-talking, his team lost 2-1 in the best of three series. As promised, Senator Velis handed over a $500 donation check to the Club upon losing.
“When I was first visiting the Boys & Girls Club as a candidate for Senate, I couldn’t keep myself from challenging kids in the gym to some games. Time passed, the trash-talk continued, and finally I called up Eileen Cavanaugh, President of the Club, and said ‘let’s organize this thing’”, said Senator Velis. “In my experience, nothing brings people together like sports and it was a phenomenal community event. There’s something really special about going beyond just donating and actually engaging with the kids and having some fun.”
The hour-long event was a best of three series that brought in a large audience of Club youth and staff. After winning the first game, Team Velis lost the following two games. The Boys & Girls Club Team included Kelvin Medina, Nathaniel Morales, Jayden Rivera, Jeremy Canales, Juan Rivera, Jaden Colon, Astin Chapman, Lexan Fontanez, and Samuel Chea. They are all Holyoke High Schoolers and longtime Club members who frequently play basketball during the Club’s drop-in gym hours. Teddy Morales, a Club staff member, coached the team.
To round out his team, Senator Velis recruited his Communications Director, Gabe Adams-Keane, as well Holyoke City Councilor-Elect Israel Rivera to play. Unfortunately, they came up short.
“In hindsight, we should’ve stopped after winning that first game. The age difference only become more apparent as the games continued,” said Senator Velis. “As promised, I handed over my donation on the spot after we lost, but the Club was getting that check regardless of the outcome. From my time as a mentor at the Westfield Boys & Girls Club, I know how dedicated our Clubs are and how many lives they impact throughout our community. They truly do incredible work and I just want to help however I can.”
“It was a pretty surreal moment for me to be the grown up playing against the teens. I was once the teen in their shoes playing against the adults, the game helped me understand I am no longer that teen,” said Councilor-Elect Rivera. “The club has given so much to me and many of those I grew up with here in Holyoke, now it’s my time to give back.”
“We can’t thank Senator Velis enough for not only the donation but for coming to the Club to meet and play with our youth. Since taking office, Senator Velis has been a staunch supporter of Boys & Girls Club. He understands what an incredible resource Clubs are to communities. We had a great time and can’t wait to welcome him back to the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club,” said Eileen Cavanaugh, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke.
When asked about a rematch, Senator Velis said plans for future games were already in the works.
“Events like these are the highlight of my job and you better expect Team Velis will be coming to a Boys & Girls Club near you real soon,” said Senator Velis. “As far as Holyoke goes, a rematch is already planned for the spring. While my smack talk got the best of me last night, I really guarantee victory next time and am beginning my wind-sprints training tomorrow.
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