New York Rens Honored at White House
NEW YORK RENS Youth Basketball Players & Coaches to be Honored at White House ‘Anti-Gun Violence Day’ Event
Six Youngsters, Grades 7 - 11 to Scrimmage against President's Staff as Part of Salute for New RENS 'Wear Orange Emblem' Anti-Gun Violence Movement
NEW YORK, June 1, 2016 – Top student athletes from the New RENS youth basketball organization, a not for profit based in the NYC metropolitan area, will be featured participants in the White House's special anti-gun violence day event tomorrow, Thursday, June 2nd in Washington, DC.
The New RENS will be honored for its courageous local, regional and national leadership efforts in the 'wear the orange emblem' campaign, denouncing the inner city epidemic of gun violence, it was confirmed today by Jason Rzepka, director of cultural engagement, Everytown for Gun Safety. Since the RENS started the jersey campaign six months ago, more than 300 teams across the country have joined.
“Being recognized at the White House by the President is an honor we will never forget,” said Andy Borman, executive director of the RENS. “Our kids have shown strength beyond their age in leading the ‘orange emblem’ anti-gun violence campaign nationwide. They should be so proud of themselves, and we hope this event inspires all youth basketball teams across the country to join the movement.”
Borman, the nephew of USA Olympic and Duke Basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski, and member of Duke's 2001 NCAA championship team, will be accompanied by RENS coach Dwayne Murray of Mt. Vernon High School and six RENS players, grades 7 through 11. The student athletes to be recognized at the White House include:
* Luke Klores, 13, Riverdale Middle School
* Amani Allen, 14, M.S. 250
* Kofi Cockburn, 16, Christ the King High School
* Jason Douglas-Stanley, 16, Mount Vernon High School
* Noah Morgan, 17, Mount Vernon High School
* Hamidou Diallo, 18, Putnam Science Academy
“Being against anti-gun violence is being for humanity,” added Borman. “It is painfully clear that gun violence has become an epidemic across inner city America, and we just wanted to help teach all kids that they can and should make a statement. We are so grateful to the President for all of his efforts.”