WHEREAS, Walt Walters, Earl White, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation started the LVMPD Safe Neighborhood Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament as a way for elementary school students to develop a positive relationship with police officers at an early age; and

WHEREAS, by allowing participants to bond over a friendly basketball competition, the tournament builds trust and fosters understanding between young people and local law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the tournament’s partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas allows students to interact with local law enforcement officers, while also participating in college readiness activities with UNLV staff and students and touring UNLV’s campus with other elementary school students; and

WHEREAS, the ultimate goal of the LVMPD Safe Neighborhood Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is to develop strong character in our youth by instilling the six pillars of good character, which include respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, fairness, and citizenship; and

WHEREAS, the LVMPD Foundation is committed to supporting hundreds of community engagement programs, like the LVMPD Safe Neighborhood Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which help build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim October 21, 2023 as a day in recognition of the

LVMPD SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL