News

7/26/2010

JEC recognized as 'difference maker' by U.S. Rep. Rogers

Jackson Energy was recognized for its community involvement and support of the Operation UNITE program during last week's Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp in McKee. The cooperative was named a "Hal Rogers Difference Maker" for its involvement in the anti-drug program, as well as other community efforts.

Jackson Energy is a sponsor of the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camp, which teaches youth fundamental basketball skills while emphasizing the importance for them to stay drug-free. Presenting the award to Jackson Energy Vice President of Engineering Carol Wright was Fifth District Congressman Hal Rogers and Kentucky State Senator Tom Jensen. UNITE Director Karen Engle recognized Jackson Energy for its support of the camp, as well as support of other community programs, such as the Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment (PRIDE) campaign.

All camp participants received a special event basketball, T-shirt and a UNITE basketball. "We are excited to be able to bring this camp back to Jackson County," said Karen Engle, UNITE director. "Shoot Hoops camps are fun and provide a safe, drug-free activity where children get to interact with positive role models while learning fundamental basketball skills." Fifth District Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, whose concern over the region's drug problems resulted in the creation of UNITE seven years ago, attended the Jackson County program.

"We know the drug epidemic robs children of their future each and every day. We've met hundreds of kids who are suffering because of their parents' addiction," Rogers said. "Operation UNITE's education effort reaches out to young people by informing them about the danger of drugs and providing programs and opportunities that spark hope and dreams inside of them that will keep them going through difficult situations."

Leading the camp was former University of Kentucky basketball play Jeff Sheppard. As a senior at the University of Kentucky, Sheppard was named the NCAA's Final Four Most Valuable Player in the Wildcats' 1997-98 National Championship season. He would later go on to play one season with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and 3 years in Italy.

In addition to the basketball clinic, UNITE offered a brief education program for parents and care-givers on the signs, symptoms and danger of drugs.

Other sponsors for UNITE's 2010 Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball tour include: Phoenix Products, Knott County SportsPlex, Knott Drug Abuse Council, Pikeville Medical Center, Senture, SouthEast Telephone and Walmart.

Since 2006 the camps have drawn 3,640 youth participants from 50 Kentucky counties, 10 other states and Mexico.

Jackson Energy is a Touchstone Energy cooperative serving southeastern Kentucky.

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