The Los Angeles Sparks’ Alana Beard is well-known throughout the basketball world for making things difficult for anyone looking to score two or three points on her. While establishing herself as a defensive standout in one LA, she took time recently to give back to another LA.
Beard hosted a multi-day swim safety event in her hometown of Shreveport at the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana. She said she wanted to teach young kids the importance of swimming safety after six teens from Shreveport drowned in 2010.
That hit home to me because within my household, it’s never been an emphasis, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always enjoyed swimming, or being in the water, but I’ve never known how to swim. So, this meant everything to me coming back home and implementing this initiative within the community.
–Alana Beard
About 30 youngsters showed up on the first day. She herself is also working on her swimming skills.
In addition to learning how to navigate through the water, the kids also had an opportunity to learn how to navigate on the basketball court as well.
She first hosted the event in 2016 and plans to bring it back for a fourth time next year.
“Shout out to @PopNPizza for providing us with a delicious lunch on our last day! #WhatsPopN #SwimSafety #Shreveport #64% #letschangethat @ YMCA https://t.co/6NIImHfTln
— Alana Beard (@Alanabeard20) November 21, 2018
Alana Beard dropping gems to the youth at the YMCA for the love. #salute pic.twitter.com/QXdlN5oFXL
— Rashad Johnson (@rashadjay15) November 21, 2018
Alana Beard’s annual Swim Clinic branched off to the gym. #shesabucket pic.twitter.com/o7ohzh0HXR
— KSLA News 12 Sports (@KSLASports) November 21, 2018
My guy @JimmyWatson6 has been there from the beginning. #journalist Thank you for stopping by Jimmy. https://t.co/NwWC7XC5sB
— Alana Beard (@Alanabeard20) November 21, 2018
Thank you Rashad! https://t.co/LtGh3nWZLa
— Alana Beard (@Alanabeard20) November 23, 2018
